Subject: What if waiting isn’t wasted?

What smiling faces in Madagascar taught me about patience.
 

Volume 6 No. 5  | September/October 2026

 

Imagine standing in a line so long you can barely see where it ends. Now imagine smiling anyway.


That’s what struck me during a medical mission in Madagascar. Hundreds of people were waiting to be seen by the ophthalmology team. Instead of pushing, arguing, or worrying that they might be overlooked, many of them sat patiently. Some even waved and smiled.

This is just a small subset of the line. The actual line stretched outside of the stadium as health care professionals provided medical, dental and optical care in Madagascar.

Why?


They trusted the process.


I worked hard to make sure each person had a place in line and knew they would be seen. They didn’t have to push ahead or worry that they would be forgotten. They could wait patiently because they were confident their turn was coming.


There’s a lesson there for us.


Sometimes we look around and see other people receiving the very things we’ve been praying for. Their door opens; their prayer is answered; their blessing arrives, and we’re still waiting.


But waiting doesn’t mean God has forgotten where we are. He sees us. He knows what we need and He has our back.


One of my favorite ways to think about it is this: When I see God blessing someone around me, I can celebrate because God is in the neighborhood. He is getting closer to my house. My story isn’t finished yet.


So maybe the question isn’t simply, how long will I have to wait? Maybe it’s: Can I trust God enough to smile while I’m waiting?


Your number hasn’t been lost. God sees you. And He knows exactly where you are.

Video by Adventist World Radio

Remember all those glasses that were donated to me. They all made it to Madagascar and my table of glasses was featured in this video created by Adventist World Radio, which coordinated the mission trip.


See more about my adventures in Madagascar by following me on Facebook and Instagram.

“Faith is rarely tested by what we believe. It is tested by what we release into God’s hands.”


I said that during this episode of Faith and Politics. Our topic on tithing really struck a chord for me. Do we really trust Him or are we already working on Plan B? We also talk about the complicated balance between free speech, personal privacy, and individual rights.


Watch the conversation.

WATCH THE FULL EPISODE

Faith & Politics is a show dedicated to discussing issues surrounding the intersection of Church, State and politics. It examines whether you are allowing your faith to shape your politics or if your politics are starting to shape your faith. What do you do when God and government come face-to-face? It is sponsored by the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists.

THOUGHT TO PONDER

"He's seen it all before, nothing surprises God."

SUPPORT THE MINISTRY

We appreciate your continued support of Gaza Road Ministries. Before leaving Madagascar, we donated $500 to my assigned church and we plan to send at least an additional $500. That does not happen without you. Please continue to support this ministry and its mission.

Judith W. Hawkins, JD, MS, is the founder and CEO of Gaza Road Ministries and GRM2.

GRM2 is a 501(c)(3) organization and gifts are deductible as charitable contributions for federal tax purposes.

GRM2, Post Office Box 17 Clifton, TN 38425-0017  (850) 888-2433


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