Isaiah 40:31 (NKJV) — 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.
Page Kelly professor of Old Testament at Southern Seminary brought this passage to light for me, Isaiah 40:31 is one of the passages of Scripture I go to many times when hope seems to fade.
God may not always deliver us from difficult circumstances, but He will always deliver us through them. Two great promises of God are His protection and provision. I’ve discovered the enemy, Satan, will attack the follower of Christ. I think of Shadrach, Meshack, and Abednego. They were thrown into the fiery furnace. They refused to bow to the false god. The true God stood with them in the flaming furnace.
We must fully, genuinely trust God. Satan will attack us at our weakest point. What problems do we face: finances, relationships, emotions, family, business…the list could go on and on. The reality is we all have problems in life.
God promises to protect us through all the trials of life and from all the enemies who oppress us. Sometimes the problems are overwhelming. God promises to provide for us and meet our every need. The word “wait” can be translated as “hope.” Where is our hope? Where is our strength? We know God never fails. God asks us to do the seemingly impossible…trust Him.
Isaiah 40:6–8, “6 The voice said, ‘Cry out!’ And he said, ‘What shall I cry?’ All flesh is grass, And all its loveliness is like the flower of the field. 7 The grass withers, the flower fades, Because the breath of the LORD blows upon it; Surely the people are grass. 8 The grass withers, the flower fades, BUT THE WORD OF OUR GOD STANDS FOREVER.”
Psalm 33:20–22, “20 Our soul waits for the LORD; He is our help and our shield. 21 For our heart shall rejoice in Him, because we have trusted in His holy name. 22 Let Your mercy, O LORD, be upon us, just as we hope in You.”
God does not work in our time. His timing is perfect. Being an impetuous person makes this difficult for me. Slowly I am learning.