Isaiah 40:31
…But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
What a time of waiting we are in these days! We are waiting for the latest updates, waiting for a new advisory, waiting for the all clear sign. Waiting can be frustrating even when we are not facing a pandemic and during which we are confined to our homes. But is waiting really all that bad? Could it be that waiting just may be good for us?
The Bible is full of people who had to wait: Paul in prisons, David in the desert, and even Jesus waiting for His time to be revealed. There is a lesson to be learned in times of waiting…if we are willing.
Let’s look at some of the benefits of waiting on the Lord-
Why we wait on the Lord:
1. It allows us to take a back seat so God can work out his plan…not ours!
2. It creates an opportunity for God to show His strength and do HIS work which (in turn) will build our faith.
3. It helps us build trust in Him and in HIS timing, knowing His will is best.
4. It reminds us that our strength is in Him alone, not ourselves.
It is clear that waiting on the Lord is of great benefit to a believer. Yet, while we wait it can be difficult to be constantly wondering what is around the next corner. The Bible instructs us in the act of waiting on the Lord and offers some insight to what we can do while waiting on Him. David and Paul were among those who waited on the Lord, what did they do while waiting?
David was still and patient-- He rested silently in the Lord
Psalm 37:7
Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!
David was courageous and strong
Psalm 27:14
Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!
David kept God’s way-- Continue on the Narrow path, do not be swayed
Psalm 37:34
Wait for the Lord and keep his way, and he will exalt you to inherit the land; you will look on when the wicked are cut off.
David waited expectantly
Psalm 38:15
But for you, O Lord, do I wait; it is you, O Lord my God, who will answer.
Psalm 40:1
I waited patiently for the Lord; (past tense) he inclined to me and heard my cry.
Paul rejoiced and sang!
Acts 16:25
About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.
In Isaiah, we are instructed to rely on Him for His strength…
Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
Stay strong, church! This will all be over before we know it! How will you look back at this time of waiting? Will you be able to say it was a profitable time of growing and learning with the Lord and relying on His strength? I sure hope so!
Scott Walker
Vero Bible Fellowship Elder Team