February 13
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
Most of us can probably quote this verse – which is excellent. However, have we truly applied this verse to our lives? Again, this verse is a beautiful promise from God, but it hinges on our behavior and posture towards Him. It is for those who wait on the Lord.
Waiting on the Lord is not passive. I think we sometimes get the picture of waiting on God like we are sitting with nothing to do nothing but twiddle our thumbs. Webster's Dictionary defines wait, "to stay in place in expectation of." Another definition is "to look forward expectantly." Yet a third definition is to serve.
You usually don't sit idly by when you expect something or someone. When I invite guests over to my house, there is a lot to get done from cleaning and preparing food. Then when my company arrives, I can sit and enjoy them.
This scenario kind of reminds me of when Jesus visited Mary and Martha. When Jesus was in their house, Martha was busy cooking to serve Jesus while Mary was sitting at Jesus' feet, letting Jesus serve her. Martha usually gets the bad wrap when this event is talked about, but I think this story is actually a wonderful picture of the two sides of waiting on the Lord.
We always need to listen and wait for the Holy Spirit's direction. And while we are waiting, we are serving. We are preparing ourselves in expectation for Jesus. When we act with this balance of listening and doing, our strength is renewed. We can accomplish all that He has for us to do.
Dear Lord, teach me to wait on you with an expectant heart and obedience to serve how you have called me to serve. Amen.