But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.
—Isaiah 40:31
Scripture:
In today’s devotion, we’re going to talk about the hot-button issue of delayed gratification—that is, the value of waiting. Waiting has become a lost art in our modern culture.
For example, there was a time when, if you wanted to access a movie, you went to a video store and rented something called a videotape. That videotape came with a reminder to “be kind and rewind.” Then DVD technology arrived, so you didn’t have to rewind anymore. Then Netflix came along, and your rental DVDs were delivered by mail. Now you can just stream the movies you want to watch.
We don’t have to wait for much of anything today. We just click it and stream it. Everything comes fast. The idea of waiting is an alien concept in a culture accustomed to immediate gratification. And something is getting lost along the way. The Bible tells us, “But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31 NLT).
After Nehemiah heard that the walls of Jerusalem were broken down, four months passed. He waited before he posed his question to the king: “If it please the king, and if you are pleased with me, your servant, send me to Judah to rebuild the city where my ancestors are buried” (Nehemiah 2:5 NLT).
Nehemiah spent more time praying than he did building. Sometimes the Lord will give you an idea. But timing is everything. You must wait for the right moment to go to the next place. Most of us don’t like to wait, however. We like everything now.
Some of the best-known people in the Bible understood—or learned—the value of waiting. Abraham waited decades for God to fulfill His promise to give him a son.
Joseph waited for years in an Egyptian prison for a crime he didn’t commit.
David waited years after being anointed king of Israel to assume the throne.
These people realized what we need to realize: Waiting involves much more than pressing “pause” on life. Good things happen to those who wait patiently and faithfully for God to work. They grow closer to God by staying in constant contact with Him, pouring out their feelings and listening to His voice. They grow to understand the Lord and His ways more clearly. They mature. They inspire others along the way. And eventually, they make a difference.
Sure, there will be struggles along the way. Impatience is part of the human experience. But know this: Waiting time is never wasted time. We need a plan, and then we need to pray that God will help us with that plan—if it is the plan He has given to us. There is a time to pray, and there is a time to move. Know the season you’re in and embrace it with everything you have.
Reflection question: In what area of your life do you feel as though you’re waiting on God? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!
