NEW STRENGTH

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

At times you may feel so worn out and stressed that you are not sure you can take another step. You may seem to spend all of your time running from crisis to crisis, and to constantly be giving your time and energy to others. Your Lord wants to give you new strength and enable you to enjoy the abundant life He intends for you. Thus, the key is to wait upon Him to do so.

Waiting

Our generation does not enjoy waiting. Oftentimes we are overwhelmed by all the commitments we have made, and by the many responsibilities we hold. As a result, we rush through our lives without stopping to evaluate our activities. Sometimes in our haste to get on with our work, we race ahead of God. Part of God’s restorative process is to slow us down and make us listen to Him. As we wait on Him, God will remind us of our utter dependence upon His strength. When we slow down and seek His will, He will reveal His plans.

Why It’s Worth The Wait

The Bible tells us waiting on the Lord is never passive; instead, it is always active. Waiting requires us to stop our own pursuits and give God our complete attention. Consequently, we may have to give up some of the activities we have allowed to consume our lives. We may need to take an entire day to sit quietly before the Lord. If we ask Him, then God will show us the resources He has provided to help with the work we have been attempting on our own. God may address feelings of guilt that have motivated us to do things that He has not asked us to do.

Jesus As Your Example

While you slow down and wait, think also about Jesus. He carried more responsibility than you do. More people needed Him than will ever need you. Yet, He was never overwhelmed or inadequate for the task. Now Christ offers to guide you so that you will fulfill your heavenly Father’s will and gain the strength necessary for each day (Matthew 11:28).

Take a few moments, right now, to pray and thank God for the restoration and strength He has given to you. Ask God to help you to slow down, to remind you to look for Him in the quiet moments of your day. Ask God to guide you as you re-evaluate all of your daily activities, asking that He show you what is truly His will for you. Amen.

Source:
“Experiencing God Day-By-Day; The Devotional and Journal”, by Henry T. Blackaby and Richard Blackaby ©1997. Entry November 9.

Additional Reading:
God Speaks In Many Times And Ways
Raising Our Expectations