The Deep Dish: Waiting for God in the Gaps
Episode Summary - Released August 7, 2025

Introduction

In the episode titled "Waiting for God in the Gaps," hosts Melissa Krueger and Courtney Docter of The Deep Dish podcast from The Gospel Coalition engage in a profound conversation with their special guest, Mark Vogop—the newly appointed president of The Gospel Coalition. The discussion delves into the often challenging experience of waiting on God, exploring its theological foundations, personal implications, and practical applications in the lives of believers.

Personal Struggles with Waiting

The conversation begins with the hosts sharing relatable frustrations about everyday waiting scenarios. Courtney mentions impatience with waiting for her kettle to boil, while Melissa discusses the exasperation of being stuck in traffic, especially when it leads to being late for her child's soccer game ([03:26] Courtney Docter). Mark adds his irritation with waiting on technical support phone lines, highlighting how prolonged waiting can lead to heightened stress and annoyance ([04:57] Mark Vogop).

Defining "Waiting on the Lord"

Mark Vogop introduces the central theme of the episode by defining "waiting on the Lord." He states, “waiting on God is learning to live on what I know to be true about God” ([07:18] Mark Vogop). This active form of waiting involves relying on God's character and promises, especially during uncertain times. Contrary to a passive stance, waiting on the Lord encompasses hope and intentional trust in God's sovereignty and goodness.

Managing Expectations

The hosts and Mark delve into how personal expectations influence the experience of waiting. Melissa shares her challenges with unexpected delays, emphasizing how unmet expectations can lead to self-directed anger ([04:54] Melissa Krueger). Mark recounts a pivotal moment during pastoral counseling where he initially claimed to have no expectations but later recognized their significant impact on his emotions and trust in God ([09:22] Mark Vogop). This realization underscores the importance of identifying and managing expectations to align them with God's will.

Shifting Focus from Uncertainty to God's Truth

Mark discusses a strategy from his book, "Waiting Isn't a Waste," where he compiles "Lord is" statements—verses and affirmations about God's character—to counteract the anxiety of not knowing life's outcomes. By focusing on what he knows about God, Mark transforms gap moments into opportunities for worship and trust: “I can actually transform gap moments into opportunities to welcome God into those spaces” ([16:34] Mark Vogop).

Embracing Waiting as Integral to the Christian Journey

The conversation highlights that waiting is not an anomaly but a fundamental aspect of the Christian life. Mark cites biblical figures like Abraham, Moses, Joseph, Apostle Paul, and David, all of whom experienced significant periods of waiting. He draws parallels to the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, emphasizing that even pivotal moments in salvation history involved waiting ([20:03] Mark Vogop). This perspective reassures listeners that waiting is woven into the fabric of faith and divine purpose.

Dealing with Sin During Waiting

Melissa addresses the temptation to excuse sin during prolonged waiting periods, noting how bitterness and apathy can fester. She shares her personal struggles with maintaining trust in God during difficult waits and emphasizes the need to combat discontentment and disobedience by reaffirming faith ([27:26] Melissa Krueger). Mark echoes this sentiment, explaining how identifying and understanding emotions like anger and anxiety can help believers navigate and overcome these challenges ([29:52] Mark Vogop).

The Interplay Between Lament and Waiting

Mark connects his previous work on lament to the theme of waiting, explaining that lament serves as the language for expressing grief during gaps created by life's brokenness. He distinguishes between lament (addressing sorrow) and waiting (responding to gaps), suggesting that both are essential responses to a world that often doesn't align with our expectations ([32:59] Mark Vogop). This connection illustrates how lament and waiting are complementary aspects of a believer's response to suffering and uncertainty.

Encouragement for Those in Seasons of Waiting

Addressing listeners directly, Mark offers heartfelt encouragement for those enduring prolonged or painful periods of waiting. He emphasizes the importance of mapping God's faithfulness by reflecting on past experiences where God has proven Himself faithful. Mark assures listeners that God's overarching plan will become clear in time, fostering trust and perseverance even when immediate circumstances are challenging ([35:19] Mark Vogop).

The Future of The Gospel Coalition

Towards the end of the episode, Mark shares his excitement about leading The Gospel Coalition. He expresses gratitude for the organization's role in supporting his ministry and outlines his vision for renewating and unifying the contemporary church by leveraging God's timeless gospel through accessible resources and initiatives ([38:13] Mark Vogop). Additionally, he touches on his personal life, mentioning his family's involvement with breeding Bernadoodle puppies, adding a lighthearted element to the discussion ([39:09] Mark Vogop).

Conclusion

"Waiting for God in the Gaps" offers a comprehensive exploration of what it means to wait on the Lord. Through personal anecdotes, theological insights, and scriptural references, Melissa, Courtney, and Mark provide listeners with both understanding and practical tools to navigate their own seasons of waiting. The episode reinforces the idea that waiting is not a waste but a purposeful period for deepening one's faith and trust in God's unwavering character.

Notable Quotes

• Mark Vogop ([07:18]): “Waiting on God is learning to live on what I know to be true about God.”

• Mark Vogop ([16:34]): “I can actually transform gap moments into opportunities to welcome God into those spaces.”

• Mark Vogop ([29:52]): “Most of us don't want to be in that storyline. We don't want to be the main character. We want to be the sovereign one. We want to be in control.”

• Melissa Krueger ([27:26]): “Disappointment leads to discontent and disobedience.”

Final Thoughts

This episode of The Deep Dish underscores the transformative potential of waiting on God. By shifting focus from personal expectations to God's immutable truths, believers can find peace and purpose even in the most challenging gaps of life. Mark Vogop's insights, grounded in scripture and personal experience, offer a beacon of hope and a roadmap for faithful endurance.