“Yet those who wait upon the LORD will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not get tired; they will walk and not become weary” (Isaiah 40:31 NASB).
Whenever I read this verse, my eyes like to skip to the really good part-the gaining strength, mounting up, tireless running, and weariless walking part. I see myself soaring despite the difficulty, rising high above it.
But there are a few words before the really good part, conditional words-”those who wait for the LORD.” Yep, that one word says a whole lot: wait.
I did a word study on “wait” once-you guessed it, during a trial-and found it all over the Psalms. Here are a few examples: “Wait for the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage; yes, wait for the Lord” (Psalm 27:14). “Our soul waits for the Lord; He is our help and our shield” (Psalm 33:20). “I waited patiently for the Lord; and He inclined to me, and heard my cry” (Psalm 40:1). “My soul, wait in silence for God only, for my hope is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I shall not be shaken” (Psalm 62:5-6).
You’re probably getting the same picture I got as I studied that word. “Waiting” is an indispensable part of the journey. But if we had to be honest, it’s not exactly fun! It means we’re hoping and expecting, but we’re also in the midst of, feeling the pain, crying out, and wondering why. I’ve waited in tears, with fear and doubt threatening to overwhelm me. I’ve waited with an incredible feeling that things would never change, waking up in the morning to anxiety nipping at my heels.
But as we wait-hoping, expecting, and even crying out to God-something happens. We draw closer to Him. We learn our deep need of Him. We begin to behold His power and His majesty and His sovereignty. After all, in that same chapter in Isaiah, He tells us He’s the One who has measured the waters in the hollow of His hand (40:12). He’s the One who created the stars and calls them all by name (40:26). He’s the One who sits above the vault of the earth (40:22).
And yes, He’s the One who, as we wait, will indeed cause us to gain new strength, to mount up with wings like eagles, to run and not get tired, and to walk and not get weary.
The waiting may not be easy, but the rewards are divine.
Heavenly Father, You are an awesome God. You are sovereign and You are mighty. When trials enter my life and threaten to overwhelm me, help me to wait for You, and in the midst, to seek You. I thank You for Your promise that I will be strengthened, and I will soar, and I will be able to run this race, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
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I do hope you have been inspired by this wonderful devotional. Now, enter for a chance to win an autographed copy of Heavenly Places by Kimberly Cash Tate.
Trivia Question: What career did Kim leave to be at home with her kids? (Hint – answer can be found on the web!)
Leave your answer to today’s question in the comment section of this post. All correct answers will be placed in a drawing and one lucky person will win an autograph copy of Heavenly Places from the author!
About the author
Kimberly Cash Tate is the author of the novel, “Heavenly Places” (2008) and the nonfiction book, “More Christian than African-American: and other ways Jesus turned my life upside down.” (2009). She has appeared as a guest on international Christian television programs such as “The Harvest Show” and “Rejoice.” She has also been a guest on national Christian radio shows, including Janet Parshall’s America, Let’s Talk it Over with Janet Parshall, and Chris Fabry on the Moody Broadcast Network. Kimberly is the founder of Colored in Christ Ministries, and loves her first ministry to her husband and two children.
Visit Kimberly online:
Website – http://www.kimberlycashtate.com/
Blog – http://kimberlycashtate.blogspot.com
MySpace – http://www.myspace.com/kimberlycashtate
Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/people/Kimberly-Cash-Tate/1016516260
Purchase the book here:
About Renee Williams
Trivia Question answer: Kimberly Tate practiced law. She was a partner at a law firm when she left to be at home with her children.
This post was right on time for me. I’ve had to work on being patient.
Hey Shelia! Thanks a million for stopping by and supporting the tour. I’m glad you enjoyed Kimberly’s post. It was another “right on time” message.
loved your devotional and i will pass it along for others to enjoy as well!
Thanks Iris!
Renee, I really enjoyed this message. A guest pastor at my church preached from the same passage of scripture on Sunday. I needed to hear that message then and I needed to hear this message today. Thanks, sis. I hope that you are well.
I read a copy of Heavenly Places a little while back. I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to reading more from Ms. Kimberly Cash Tate.
Heyyy Hope! So good to see you. I’m doing good, thanks to the grace of God. I hope you and yours are well. I’m glad you enjoyed Kimberly’s message. Heavenly Places is one of my top 5 all time favorite books. I look forward to reading more from her also.
Renee… this past week, the inspirations and devotions of these ladies have truely touched and Blessed in me. Thank you so very much… Kimberly Cash Tate… Thank you for your words of inspirations and encouragement.
Career change – Attorney to care for her kids.
Thank YOU ‘Cilla. Your support of this tour has been a blessing to me. I’m glad that you were touched and blessed by the messages. That was my sole intent. I was blessed to put this tour together but was extremely blessed by the devotionals shared and the comments left by those who followed the tour.
Amen, Kim. Thanks for sharing your words of inspiration. Continued blessings to you and your family.
Answer to TQ: Practicing Law
Vanessa, thanks for supporting the tour this week!
Great devotion, Kim!