Faithful Patience in Times of Waiting
Sermon November 17, 2024
1 Samuel 1:4-20
Faithful Patience in Times of Waiting
Pastor Fred Okello
Waiting can be one of the most stressful and difficult situations in life. I've experienced several moments of waiting, and I can assure you that it's never easy. One of the most memorable moments was when our youngest, Marvin, swallowed a coin.
The physicians recommended us to wait a few days, assuring us that the coin would eventually pass through his system. So, we waited, closely monitoring him and making sure he ate enough to help the process along. But, to our surprise—and increasing concern—nothing happened. Instead, Marvin's condition worsened. He stopped eating, and his agony increased.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, we went to a district hospital, only to learn that their X-ray machine was broken. We then tried a private hospital, but the doctor was absent at a funeral. Our third stop was a missionary hospital. There, they were finally able to perform an X-ray and discovered that the coin was lodged in Marvin's chest, enveloped by tissue and unable to proceed further down his digestive track.
However, the mission hospital did not have the necessary technology to remove the coin. As the day progressed into dark, we were left with little choice but to return home and plan our next moves.
Once home, I contacted my cousin, a doctor in the capital city, and explained the scenario. He called a doctor acquaintance in a nearby town, who urged us to go to their hospital that same evening. We arrived around 9 p.m., pleased to finally be at a place where Marvin could get the care he required.
The physicians told me that the coin could be removed without surgery. They planned to use specialized equipment to lower instruments via Marvin's mouth while watching their progress on a screen. However, their equipment was insufficiently long to reach the coin, and they need an upgraded X-ray to determine its precise location.
The night was awful. Marvin was in pain, and nothing could be done until the following morning. When morning arrived, there was yet another setback: the hospital's X-ray machine had broken. We were referred to another facility for the X-ray, with an appointment set for 4 p.m.
When we brought the X-ray results back, it was evident that the penny was firmly embedded in Marvin's chest. I pondered whether he would make it through this trauma. Other kids at the referral hospital had also swallowed coins, so we weren't the only ones. After X-rays showed nothing was wrong, some were released. For us, however, the waiting went on.
We relied on other people's prayers during those times. The saints banded together to visit us in the hospital and offer prayers for Marvin. Their encouragement enabled us to persevere.
Marvin was finally led into the theater. I knelt down and prayed fervently. I prepared myself for the news when the doctor came back. I had a glimmer of optimism when I saw him smile, but I couldn't be certain. He informed me that the coin had been taken out. I asked, "Where is my child?" right away, not in reference to the coin.
Although still unconscious, the doctor reassured me that Marvin was okay. They gave Marvin back to me after calling me to the theater. As a memento, they had even given us the penny. "Dad, I'm feeling better," was the first thing Marvin said once he came out. "Where is the coin?" He firmly declared, "I will never play with a coin again," after I showed him.
I learned from this experience that waiting may be very challenging, particularly in emergency situations. We are burdened by the ambiguity, the failures, and the unsolved questions. However, it also reminded me of Hannah's story in 1 Samuel 1:4–20 which we read today.
Hannah was aware of the agony of waiting. She prayed for a child and experienced grief and mockery year after year. In her distress, she wept furiously and poured out her heart to God. Hannah remained steadfast in her faith, believing that God would hear her cries in spite of the suffering and uncertainty. And God did, just as God had planned. Samuel, God's son, would grow up to be a great prophet.
Our waiting periods could try our faith and patience, just like Hannah's did. However, Hannah's experience teaches us the value of relying on God, praying consistently, and believing in His perfect timing.
How, therefore, do we truly endure in times of uncertainty? We trust in God's promises, pray like Hannah, and open our hearts to Him. Because Hannah needed Eli's encouragement, we rely on other people's assistance. And we cling to the faith that God will remember us in the same way that He remembered Hannah.
Even while waiting can be difficult at times, it is never in vain. In order to fulfill His intentions and fortify our confidence, God works while we wait. Rest assured that God is still God and that His timing is always ideal while you wait.
Blessings in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit!