The Receiving Line

I was in Sam’s Club one afternoon searching for a case of nacho chips. I was so focused. I knew exactly what I was looking for. I visualized what the box looked like in my head: a large red and white cardboard box with two bags of corn nacho tortilla chips inside. I thought to myself, “Where could they be? Are they out of stock?”  After carefully roaming the aisles and looking some more, I decided to ask a Sam’s Club employee for help. This was my last attempt before I activated PLAN B.

It didn’t take long before I found someone who could help. Let’s call her “Sue”.  Sue knew exactly what I was looking for. She quickly checked the aisle where they were usually located and confirmed they were indeed not there. Sue then took out her handy Sam’s Club device to see if they had them in the facility. Sue confidently said to me, “Yes, we have some, but they are in the receiving line.” I was overjoyed! 

I asked Sue if I should follow her or wait somewhere specific so that she could find me after she got the chips from the receiving line. Sue told me to stand right where I was. She would find me there. 

So, I waited for what was maybe 10 minutes (but, it truly felt longer than 10 minutes). Thoughts ran through my mind like: “If I quickly run to get the rest of the items that are on my list, I think I can make it back before Sue would. I know for sure I can grab just one more item and be back in time.” I decided to stay put and wait. I didn’t want to risk the chance of missing Sue and not being where she had asked me to wait.  

I continued to wait and do what most people do while they wait: I checked my emails. I responded to text messages. I scrolled on Facebook and Instagram to see who posted the latest update. You know, “productive stuff”. 

Finally, Sue found me at the spot we had agreed upon. She apologized for the amount of time it had taken. She explained that she had to wait for another employee because they had to use the lift to get the box. She stated that “it was a process…” and thanked me for my patience. I expressed my thankfulness for her willingness to find the chips and get me what I needed. I put the box in my cart and went on my merry way! 

How many of us like to wait? 

Something Sue said made me ponder. I started thinking about her words, “It’s in the receiving line”. This directly relates to when we pray to God. More often than not, we have to wait to receive the answer or the solution for what we have asked or prayed for. 

Prayer is a process that requires waiting sometimes. 

We pray, asking the Lord to provide an answer or direction, or for something more specific (like how I wanted those nacho chips at Sam’s Club).

After we pray, we might wait and wait some more. All along, it’s in the receiving line ready for us, but you see, with God it’s all about His perfect timing. 

As we WAIT, TRUST. As we WAIT, BELIEVE. 

Being faithful in the waiting matters to God. Believing that we will receive what His word promises goes hand-in-hand with faithfulness. We are trusting in the ONE who knows what we need, when we need it. 

It’s in the receiving line, just hold on. Keep being faithful. 

Sometimes we don’t know how long we have to wait. God is asking His children to trust Him and to remain faithful. We must believe without doubt as we wait. 

It’s in the receiving line, just hold on. What you have prayed for is on its way! 

Remain faithful and continue to do what God has called you to do. Just like I waited in a specific spot to be able to receive that box of tortilla nacho chips, God’s plan is exactly where we can find and receive what we need when we need it. Trust the process and the timing of God. 

Keep being faithful. 

Keep serving. 

Keep witnessing. 

Keep praying. 

We find a story in Luke chapter 1 where we meet Zechariah and Mary. They were both visited by the angel Gabriel and were told that they were going to be receiving the promise of a son. This miraculous proclamation was received so differently by these two. Both were faithful servants of God, but watch what happens:

Zechariah was a priest who served the Lord faithfully. He and his wife had obeyed all the commandments. When Zechariah received this message, he was filled with doubt and unbelief. Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man, and my wife is well along in years.” 

The angel said to him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and tell you this good news. And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time.” (Luke 1:18-20)

Now, Mary was a young virgin betrothed to Joseph when Gabriel delivered these messages. Mary was chosen by God because of her faithfulness and purity. She is in a season where she is preparing for marriage. Mary's response to Gabriel was one of believing and receiving, despite what people thought or if her fiancé would still choose to stand by her side. 

“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Luke 1:38

God is not limited by our seasons. 

God is not limited by our timeline. 

God is not limited by our beliefs. 

What God has appointed will come to pass. No word from God will ever fail! 

God can handle our questions. It’s okay to ask questions, but God is more concerned about our belief in what He says.

Zechariah and Mary both had questions, however, what set them apart was their response.  Zechariah had unbelief while Mary believed. 

God does not bless people according to their AGE, STATUS, CREDENTIALS, GENDER or RACE.

God blesses His sons and daughters because He LOVES them and finds them faithful. 

God looks at the heart. What matters to God is a life that pleases Him and a life that is faithful to Him. Faithfulness matters.

God saw Zechariah and Elizabeth’s faithfulness. God saw Mary’s faithfulness.

Like Zechariah and Mary, we are ALL traveling on this road called faithfulness. The Lord meets us and helps us on this road. This is the place where we encounter His promises. 

It’s easy to give up when there are disappointments or when things don’t seem to be headed in the right direction. We can still be faithful through the uncertain times, difficult seasons, and unknown moments. 

Be faithful - one day at a time. 

Stand firm. 

For it’s in the receiving line and His timing is perfect. 

Thank God for the receiving line and it’s always RIGHT ON TIME!