Those 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 40:31
"How much further?" Janice and I heard that often as we drove from Massachusetts to the midwest when Kirk and Jordan were younger. Electronic devices, books on CD, and travel games only went so far before they grew weary of the journey. They waited with eagerness to see the family they hadn't seen in a year, and this was taking soooo long. Looking back years later, the boys have fond memories of these road trips.
We can all empathize with them. None of us particularly enjoy waiting. We grow tired -- and honestly, sometimes cranky -- as we anticipate the completion of our journey, even if that trip is standing in line for our coffee. Often when we pray, we don't receive immediate answers. In our waiting, we grow impatient, asking God, "How much further?"
Today's verse offers us hope in our waiting; God promises to renew our strength when we place our faith and trust in him. When we grow tired and disheartened, he will re-energize us to the point we feel we can soar and run marathons. God will answer; when he does, perhaps we can look back with fondness on the journey.
Blessed Holy Father, we give you thanks for answered prayers. We confess we sometimes tire and grow impatient. At times we don’t feel like we can press on. We rejoice in the strength we find in you in our times of waiting. Thank you for giving us new power -- not just enough, but more than enough. Precious God, thank you for your compassion and love. Amen.
Blessings!
Pastor Tim
