But they who wait for 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. Isaiah 40:36 ESV I found myself in a place of in-between... at a time of waiting. I was growing my hair from very short to longer. My hair grew from pixie cut to mullet to bob to shoulder length, but it took A LONG time. The process was slow and awkward, but I knew that I'd arrive at my "hair goal" eventually. I'm positive that what you're waiting on is more important than growing out your hair. You're waiting on the Lord for something big: for healing, a new job, the restoration or development of a relationship, or something else... Isn't it interesting that the Lord often allows us to go through the process of waiting?However, no matter what we're waiting on, no matter the destination, the time can feel long and awkward if we're not looking with through a godly perspective on the wait.
Wouldn't it be nice to have a magic fix to make the in-between, the waiting, just a little easier? Though a quick fix might be easier on us, I think that God uses our wait time to refine us and bring us closer to Him. Sometimes He uses our refining time while setting other things in motion, as well. During one of my wait times I felt the tugging on my heart whispering the words of Isaiah 40:36. "But 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" (Isaiah 40:31 NIV). But what does Isaiah 40:36 have to do with waiting? In the English Standard Version (ESV) instead of hope, the Hebrew is translated to "those who wait on the LORD..." Doesn't hoping in the LORD includes a component of waiting, with a purpose? We hope and wait with assurance that God is going to walk with us and fulfill His promises. Our hoping in God is not stagnant. Our wait time should be filled with our worship of Him while working to forward His kingdom. Do you work in a same-old-same-old job, stay home with the kids, or do something that you think is ordinary? Do everything with praise and thanksgiving to the glory of the Lord (Philippians 4:6-7, Colossians 3:23). What you do matters, no matter how ordinary you think it is. Yours is a life transformed (2 Corinthians 3:18). As you seek God's face you will get closer to Him and lead others to Him as well. And that, Child of God, is not ordinary at all. The Lord is faithful to his promises (Psalm 145:13) and He works for the good of all who love Him (Romans 8:28). That doesn't mean we always get what we want or what we think we're waiting for. It doesn't mean we won't face trials. As we wait on the Lord we grow in relationship with Him and He becomes enough for us. In Him, in His peace and love, we become content (Philippians 4:12-13). If you're at an in-between time Child of God, though you may feel discouraged continue to cling to Jesus. Ask Him for direction and courage. Keep the eyes to your heart open. When we ask God for something in line with His will He answers in amazing ways (Matthew 7:7-8). If He's not answering then His answer is either wait a little longer or it's not what is best for you. Seek support and prayer from other Christians if you're having trouble discerning which it is. Not knowing the future during the wait is hard. Be encouraged. We wait on a God with a good purpose and a good plan for us, even if we don't know what it is, yet. To God be the glory, Sarah Will you pray with me? Dear Lord, as I wait on you to refine me into who you want me to be, help me use this time to grow closer to you. Jesus, I know you have a plan and a purpose for me. I will wait for you. I Jesus name I pray, Amen. Reflection: What in my life am I anxious to hurry up and move through quickly? Have I given my wait to God? What does He want me to do in the meanwhile? Faith-In-Action: Pray about the object of your wait with God within 24 hours. Ask the Lord what He wants you to continue or stop doing during this time of in-between.
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