Thursday, September 6, 2018

Waiting Grace


But they who wait for 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


Today is decision day for a friend’s son. For several years he has been sitting in a prison cell, wrongly convicted, and on this day the State is scheduled to reveal its decision about whether or not to set aside his conviction.

Some may believe that years of his life have been wasted. I would disagree. You see while locked away he has ministered to the lost and hurting within his realm of influence—leading others to the Cross of Christ and belief that Jesus Christ died for the salvation of their souls. Men’s lives have been changed for eternity because he has been an obedient servant in the midst of appalling circumstances. In Christ, he has found endless supplies of renewed strength. Waiting grace!

When I think about this young son, brother, husband and father, I am ashamed of my impatience with day to day life, and I am compelled by my own heart to repent.

God’s Word extends the offer of grace to wait upon the LORD. Psalm 27:14 tells us, “Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!” And, Psalm 37:7 reminds us to “Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him…” Psalm 130:5-6 encourages us—“I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I hope; my soul waits for the Lord…”

If you are in the midst of life’s detour, if you have had to set aside your plans and goals to care for a spouse, an aging parent or child in need, if just as you were ready to take the world by storm the perfect storm blew into your life and you fear you might drown, wait on the LORD.

Wait in joy—knowing that the God of mercy is in control! Wait in confident conviction that in Christ you too can receive endless supplies of renewed strength. Wait in expectation and don’t give up as you watch for the hand of God—and see the face of God—in your circumstances!

Wait, like the Apostle Paul to whom God said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Wait as God extends to you His offer of eagle’s wings—waiting grace!

©JP 2013

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