Waiting On The Lord, Part 1: The Purpose of Waiting on the Lord
Key Scripture: “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 is not something that comes naturally to most of us. In our fast-paced world, where instant gratification is often just a click away, the idea of waiting can seem frustrating and counterproductive. However, in the life of a believer, waiting on the Lord is an essential part of our spiritual growth. It’s during these periods of waiting that God often does His deepest work in us, preparing us for what lies ahead and drawing us closer to Him.
Understanding the Purpose Behind Waiting
One of the most powerful aspects of waiting on the Lord is that it is not a passive experience. While we may feel like nothing is happening, the truth is that God is at work behind the scenes, shaping us, refining our character, and building our faith. Isaiah 40:31 gives us a beautiful promise that those who wait on the Lord will have their strength renewed. They will soar on wings like eagles, run and not grow weary, and walk and not faint. This verse reminds us that waiting on God is not about standing still but about being renewed and empowered for the journey ahead.
Waiting as a Time of Growth
When we are forced to wait—whether it’s for an answer to prayer, a change in circumstances, or the fulfillment of a promise—it’s easy to focus on what we lack. We might find ourselves thinking, “If only this would happen, then I could move forward.” But God invites us to see waiting as a time of growth rather than a period of inactivity.
In these seasons, God is often teaching us patience, trust, and dependence on Him. Just as a gardener must wait for seeds to grow and bloom, we too must wait for the seeds of God’s promises to take root and flourish in our lives. During this time, our faith is strengthened as we learn to rely not on our own understanding, but on God’s timing and His wisdom.
Reflecting on Past Seasons of Waiting
It can be helpful to reflect on past seasons of waiting in your life. Consider the times when you had to wait for something important—a job opportunity, healing, a relationship, or a major life decision. How did those experiences shape you? How did God use that time to prepare you for what was to come?
Often, when we look back, we can see God’s hand at work in ways we didn’t recognize at the time. We realize that the waiting was necessary for our growth, and that God was with us every step of the way, even when it felt like nothing was happening. This reflection can encourage us as we face current or future periods of waiting, reminding us that God is always faithful.
Seeing Waiting as an Opportunity
Instead of viewing waiting as a setback, we can choose to see it as an opportunity for growth. When we wait on the Lord, we are actively putting our trust in His plan and His timing. This requires us to let go of our own agendas and surrender to His will. It’s a time to deepen our relationship with God, to spend more time in prayer and His Word, and to allow Him to shape our hearts and minds.
During this time, we can also prepare ourselves for what is to come. Just as athletes train in the off-season to be ready for the challenges of the game, we can use our waiting periods to grow stronger spiritually. This might involve developing new spiritual disciplines, seeking deeper community with other believers, or focusing on areas of our lives that need healing or growth.
Renewing Our Strength in the Lord
Isaiah 40:31 promises that those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength. This renewal comes as we spend time in God’s presence, drawing near to Him and allowing Him to refresh our spirits. It’s not about our own ability to endure, but about relying on God’s strength to carry us through.
If you’re in a season of waiting right now, take heart. God is with you, and He is at work in your life. He is using this time to prepare you for what lies ahead, to strengthen your faith, and to draw you closer to Him. Trust in His timing, and remember that He is faithful to fulfill His promises.
Conclusion: Embracing the Wait
Waiting on the Lord is not easy, but it is a vital part of our spiritual journey. It teaches us patience, trust, and dependence on God. It prepares us for the blessings that are to come and deepens our relationship with our Heavenly Father. As you wait, focus on the growth that is happening in your heart and spirit, and trust that God is at work, even when you cannot see it.
This week, take time to reflect on how God might be using your current season of waiting to shape you and prepare you for the future. Ask Him for the strength to endure, and for the eyes to see the opportunities for growth that waiting brings. Remember, those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength—they will soar on wings like eagles, run and not grow weary, walk and not faint.
All teachings are prayerfully written by Daniel Glasco, utilizing available resources to faithfully present biblical truth and discipleship encouragement.