Isaiah 40:31-"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." (NKJV)

What do you think of when you hear the word, "Wait?" Do you think it's a time when you do nothing? A time when you just stand around looking for something to happen? Is it a time when we take a pause from our busy life to hear from the Lord on what our next step should be? Do you find it hard to be in a season of waiting?

Most of us have a hard time waiting. If we want something we are taught to go and get it. We have a hard time with delayed gratification. We feel like waiting is just a waste of time. If I want something I just need to muster up the strength and go get it. This could mean for you a different job. A promotion at the job we are currently at. A relationship. A decision that would change our life forever. A financial opportunity that seems to good to be true. Whatever situation we find ourselves in, waiting on the answer can be a challenge.

My grandson doesn't like the word wait. The other day Cindy and I were Face Timing my son and the grandkids, and my grandson wanted to go to the swimming pool to swim. He was told he would need to wait until they had finished talking with grandma and grandpa and that did not make him happy. So after a few minutes of waiting for us to hang up to go swimming, he came to the phone, looked at us and then pushed the hang up button to disconnect the call. For him the problem was solved. Phone call with grandma and grandpa over, let’s  go swimming. 

My son called us back and we laughed about what happened. When I was reading Isaiah 40:31, I thought to myself, how many times when I want something I just hang up on what God wants, hoping I can then go and do what I want to do. The mistake I sometimes make is doing things in my own power and strength and then realizing I can't. I don't have the strength or wisdom to achieve God's plan without Him. 

I learned several years ago that when God puts me in a place of waiting, it is because I don't have the strength currently to accomplish the task ahead. My waiting is not a time to sit and do nothing; it is a time to lean into God's presence and gain His strength to fulfill His purpose. This time of waiting helps me get proper perspective on life's next season. It also helps me pursue God's will without becoming weary or faint. 

If you are in a time of waiting on the next season of your life, may I encourage you to allow God to use this time to gain the strength and power needed to accomplish it. Spend everyday sitting before the Lord and learning His Word. Listen to what God is saying you need to do in taking the next step and then obey. Pray for wisdom to know the right decision to make and then trust God with the results. Allow the Lord to assist you in rising above your current situation to see the big picture. Ask a friend to walk with you as you wait on the Lord.

Prayer-Lord, help me have the courage to wait on you during this season of my life. I need your strength to be able to accomplish your direction and purpose going forward. Fill me with your Holy Spirit so I can have the wisdom and courage to trust and walk with you. I give you my today and all my tomorrows. In Jesus' Name, Amen!