Why Wait?

Much activity in today’s world is based on speed.  For example, we want our food quickly, so we go to a fast-food restaurant. We turn on our TV to get the news in an instant.  Our smartphone keeps us informed about world events as they happen.  At church we want the pastor to preach a sermon in no more than 30 minutes.  We sit at a stoplight and are frustrated when the light does not turn fast enough. We order online so we do not have to go to a store to get the merchandise we want or need.

It seems that people in our culture (including me) are always in a hurry and want things to happen quickly.  It is interesting to note however that God is never hurried.  The Bible tells us, “But those who wait on 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 40:31).  Waiting on God is important for spiritual growth.  To wait on the Lord is to trust Him with complete confidence for the help He will provide.  Notice four benefits derived from this verse for individuals who wait on the Lord.

1)      “Renew their strength” – This means that God will change us, revive us, and cause us to flourish.

2)      “Mount up with wings like eagles” – To do this means that we will retain vitality even in an advanced age.

3)      “Run and not be weary” – To be vigorous, elevated, tireless, and sustained in our activities will help us do this.

4)      “Walk and not faint” – Endurance will be ours without weakening or being fatigued.

These are great benefits for people who are willing to wait on the Lord.  People who wait will become strong in faith; they will be able to contend with spiritual foes; they will have victory over sins; and they will be able to meet the trials of life with God’s help.  Isaiah summarized the importance of waiting when he said, “Blessed are all who wait for him!” (Isaiah 30:18).  Living in our fast-paced society seems nice but it is not always the best for us.  Why not slow down, take your time, and wait on the Lord?