Have you ever waited for an e-mail, a phone call, or an appointment? Did you ever wait patiently, hoping that special someone would finally pop the question? Or maybe you waited for a job promotion, a delayed flight, or a newborn baby to be delivered? In life, there are many times when we must wait for something, whether good or bad. During these times, it is easy to get frustrated. But even when we are growing tired of waiting, we need to remember that God has a dream for our lives.
Isaiah 40:31 (NIV) says, “Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; They will run and not grow weary, They will walk and not be faint.” Another translation says, “They who wait for the LORD” (Isaiah 40:31 ESV). God’s Word is telling us that yes, we will have to wait. But, if we put our hope in the Lord, He will give us the strength and endurance we need in order to wait.
Even Abraham had to exercise patience, as we see in Hebrews 6:15 (NIV): “And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.” No matter what we are waiting for, we must be patient in order to receive the promise. In other words, we must patiently wait in order to receive the person or thing that we are waiting for.
Consider a child who impatiently waits until Christmas to receive the gift they most desire. If they whine and complain about the possibility of not getting the gift, or express disappointment with having to wait until December 25th, there exists a possibility that they will not earn the reward of receiving this most coveted gift. However, if the child waits patiently, completing their chores and obeying their parents, then there is a high probability that the child will be pleased when they find the gift from their Wish List under the tree on Christmas morning.
In the same way, we need to listen to God’s still, small voice and obey His commandments. We need to exercise patience in everything we do. Only through patience can we reap the reward of receiving the promise. James 5:7 (NIV) illustrates this in such a beautiful way: “See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains.” God’s Word is telling us that we must also wait in order to reap the promise, just as the farmer must wait for his crops to come in and for the rain to fall.
So, the next time you’re waiting in line at the grocery store, sitting at the doctor’s office wondering if they will ever call your name, or getting stuck in a traffic jam on the way home from work, remember this: if you wait patiently on the Lord, you will receive the promise. This promise may even come in a different form from what you actually expect. You may meet a new friend who needs encouragements as you stand in line, you may encounter someone in the doctor’s office who needs prayer, or you may avoid a fatal vehicle accident because of the unexpected delay. God knows your future. He knows where you should be and when you should be there. Wait patiently on the Lord. He wants you to soar like the eagle and receive the promises that He has waiting for you!
Isaiah 40:31 (NIV) says, “Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; They will run and not grow weary, They will walk and not be faint.” Another translation says, “They who wait for the LORD” (Isaiah 40:31 ESV). God’s Word is telling us that yes, we will have to wait. But, if we put our hope in the Lord, He will give us the strength and endurance we need in order to wait.
Even Abraham had to exercise patience, as we see in Hebrews 6:15 (NIV): “And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.” No matter what we are waiting for, we must be patient in order to receive the promise. In other words, we must patiently wait in order to receive the person or thing that we are waiting for.
Consider a child who impatiently waits until Christmas to receive the gift they most desire. If they whine and complain about the possibility of not getting the gift, or express disappointment with having to wait until December 25th, there exists a possibility that they will not earn the reward of receiving this most coveted gift. However, if the child waits patiently, completing their chores and obeying their parents, then there is a high probability that the child will be pleased when they find the gift from their Wish List under the tree on Christmas morning.
In the same way, we need to listen to God’s still, small voice and obey His commandments. We need to exercise patience in everything we do. Only through patience can we reap the reward of receiving the promise. James 5:7 (NIV) illustrates this in such a beautiful way: “See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains.” God’s Word is telling us that we must also wait in order to reap the promise, just as the farmer must wait for his crops to come in and for the rain to fall.
So, the next time you’re waiting in line at the grocery store, sitting at the doctor’s office wondering if they will ever call your name, or getting stuck in a traffic jam on the way home from work, remember this: if you wait patiently on the Lord, you will receive the promise. This promise may even come in a different form from what you actually expect. You may meet a new friend who needs encouragements as you stand in line, you may encounter someone in the doctor’s office who needs prayer, or you may avoid a fatal vehicle accident because of the unexpected delay. God knows your future. He knows where you should be and when you should be there. Wait patiently on the Lord. He wants you to soar like the eagle and receive the promises that He has waiting for you!
Have a BLESSED Sunday!
Jennifer
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