Weekly Devotions

Isaiah 40:29-31

A common word that is a part of the Christian vocabulary is the word wait. As believers we spend a lot of time waiting. Waiting for a word from the Lord, waiting on direction, waiting on an answer.

Waiting is not wasted time but waiting is a counter witness to those who would have us to believe that we must always be busy doing something. Waiting is bearing witness to the belief that we are not the masters of our faith or the captain of our soul. Waiting expresses our dependence upon a power outside of us that will aid us if we are willing to wait.

Waiting also gives us the opportunity to rest, to relax and to replenish.

The prophet Isaiah writing to a nation living in exile informs them that deliverance will come but there will be a season of waiting. It is important that they wait not in anger over their condition but in trust that God will act.

Thus, the prophet tells his community that while they are waiting on the Lord they will be renewed and find strength to thrive in every situation. The community’s ability to thrive will be the sign of God’s presence and power in their midst. Persons will be able to do more than they could have imagined possible because God is with them. However, to experience the power they will have to wait.

We have been doing a lot of waiting during the pandemic. Our waiting has taught us valuable lessons about partnerships, new possibilities and the role of faith.

Our waiting has made us more sensitive to the things of the spirit and more grateful for the things we often took for granted. Our waiting has reshaped us and reshaped our world.

The wait seems to be almost over as the nation reopens and plots a course to the new normal. Now may we come out of a season of waiting with the witness of power that God has promised to those they wait on him.