29Mar16

Isaiah 40:31
But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

A lot of people have heard and read this verse. We tend to look at it and find hope that we can persevere. There is this tendency to read this and say, "just keep going, I can make it." But, in fact the opposite is true. We like the second half of this verse but, we struggle with the first half. In order to mount up, run, and walk without weariness we first have to wait. Yes. Wait. That means stopping. That doesn't mean keep on going and going thinking God is going to give you the strength. God calls us to stop and wait so that we can go and accomplish.

I hate traffic lights. In fact, I really like how Koreans view them... as optional. They seem to impede my progress from one place to the next. They seem to be an utter waste of time. Why can't I just go go go all the way to the end? Well, part of that is because I am not the center of the universe! I have to make way for others. I have to keep them safe and be safe by stopping. The surrounding verses of this passage all point out that we are not the center of the universe. God is. He calls us to wait so that He can do what He wants to do in us... not what we think should be done.

This isn't a call to laziness. When God gives us the green light the pedal should be on the floor and we are ready to go as long and hard as He wants. But, when the tank is empty you have to ask yourself where are you getting your fuel? Did God give you enough for this or are you trying to do something He hasn't called you too yet.

Are you feeling tired today? Worn down? Then maybe it's time to wait on the Lord instead of trying to push forward in your own strength. Pay attention to the traffic signals in your life. If you feel like waiting will only bring you further from your goal... then maybe you have to reassess if it is YOUR goal or GOD's goal for you. Wait on the Lord and renew your strength today.