Patiently waiting is one of the most difficult things we will ever have to do, but it is such a great evidence of real faith. Something that is very difficult to do.
Hebrews 11 speaks of “Now faith.” Now—present tense. This kind of faith, the Scripture says, is the proof, the “evidence,” that we have hope in God. Faith is that calm assurance that God’s will and God’s word will prevail. Based upon that assurance, we talk and we act like whatever we hope for will actually happen. No doubt about it!
We often have to wait for the hoped-for thing. Waiting is difficult, but we need to understand that waiting doesn’t mean sitting around and doing anything. When we patiently wait, we go deep into God. We are actively optimistic throughout the waiting.
Here’s a perspective from Isaiah 40: the prophet says, “Those who wait upon (hope in) the Lord will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like the eagles.” Eagles put on fresh top-feathers periodically. That is what they need to fly. The new feathers increase the strength of the wings!
During molting, the eagle loses feathers and his flight is disrupted. He is weary. He has to be patient while the new feathers grow in. He really cannot do anything to hurry the process. When it’s over and the new plumage has fully matured, he will soar again.
Eagles are made to fly, but they don’t fly very well without the new plumage. The old feathers are broken, worn, and damaged. But God has created this magnificent bird to know that in due time, he will fly again. Eagles don’t flap—they soar. They stretch out their wings when airborne and allow the wind to lift them.
Isaiah pointed out that we all become weary. Even the young men to whom strength is attributed will become weary and fall. Here’s where patience becomes a lifesaver. Based upon my hope in God, my faith, my assurances of God’s promises, I know I will fly again. I will wait. I will entwine my life with God during the times when I can’t really fly well.
Can you quit flapping today? Can you stop all the hyperactivity? Can you let go and wait for God’s processes to be completed in your life? If you feel like you’re molting and you’ve lost feathers, be patient. You will fly again! You will soar again!
MEDITATE
Are you still optimistic about the future? Do you remain patient with the things you are waiting for, or has doubt been creeping in?
STUDY
Hebrews 11:1, “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”
Reading Plan: Genesis 50 – Exodus 6
PRAY
Heavenly Father, I choose to wait for what you have in store for me. I trust in your timeline, not mine. I trust your process, instead of my own. Help my weary soul hope again for the good that will surely come.
LIVE
Be patient, for God is surely at work! Entwine your life with God during the times you are weary. He will finish what he started. You will soar again. #Faith #Hope #Patience