The Rewards for Waiting

July 11, 2006

Isaiah 40:29-31

He gives strength to the weary,
         And to him who lacks might He  increases power.
    30Though youths grow weary and tired,
         And vigorous young men stumble badly,
    31Yet those who wait for the LORD
         Will gain new strength;
         They will mount up with wings like eagles,
         They will run and not get tired,
         They will walk and not become weary.

A believer can spend months asking God for release from a stressful situation. Or, parents might pray many years for their child to place their faith in Christ. Waiting to see tangible evidence of divine action can be frustrating. But timing is important in the Christian life because God is orchestrating events to work for His children’s good. He rewards those who remain constant in their faithfulness.

When the Lord calls a “time out,” we often find our patience and stamina tried. Waiting is never easy! But any task is less difficult if it’s done in step with someone else. That’s how our whole life should be lived: in step with the Lord. If we run ahead of Him, we will miss out on developing spiritual endurance.

Though God’s Spirit remains with us, He will not provide strength for us to live outside His will. Periods of waiting are often filled with fear, stress, or grief. Those things will tire us quickly unless we depend on an eternal energy source. Those feelings may intensify our desire to push forward. But the Lord has promised protection and provision for our times of waiting. If we turn to Him in our hour of need, He’ll give us the victory. (Psalm 37:34, 39-40)

Eventually, when our prayer has been answered, our trial’s end may seem like the only reward. But a second look will reveal that our trust has been strengthened and our patience lengthened. That is to say, the Lord blesses our waiting with a more mature faith.