1 Corinthians 9:24-25

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 1 Corinthians 9:24-25




Saturday, February 12, 2011

Waiting

Isaiah 40:31
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings as eagles;
they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Probably the worst experience for a runner is injury. Over the course of my running career, I have had several injuries, and even as I revise this devotion today, I am in the middle of a long, slow recovery from back surgery.

When we are sidelined from running, it is very difficult to feel any hope or enthusiasm. Depression sets in and jealousy and envy sneak in as we watch the rest of the running community carry on seemingly without a care in the world. Waiting can be more painful than the injury itself. When we focus on the injury, hope for the future begins to fade.

God talks to us in His word about the struggle of waiting. But He doesn’t just tell us to do it and get over it. Instead, he gives us a very unusual promise. He tells us that during our time of waiting, our strength will increase. Our patience can grow as we wait for Him to fulfill what He is working in our lives.

Doesn’t that seem counter-intuitive? My first reaction during a time of waiting is to grow impatient and irritated. Human nature tells me that the thing I am waiting for is no longer worth it and that I should turn my attention and focus to something I can attain immediately. But God, with His unfathomable wisdom, tells me just the opposite. God promises that while I wait, trust, and hope in Him, He will increase my strength. The promise is true for all who believe and trust in Him: spiritual strength is found, renewed, and increased when we wait.

What are you waiting for right now? Do you believe that there is purpose to your waiting and that God will faithfully provide what you need according the His will? Let’s pray for renewed strength and trust in Him as we wait together for the fulfillment of his plans for our lives.

Dear God, waiting is one of my least favorite things to do. As I focus on my situation and the burdens in my life, I begin to lose hope. But You show Your abundant love for me by blessing my waiting with a precious gift: strength. Father, let my waiting never be in vain. Instead, increase my strength while I wait upon You and Your purpose for my life. In Jesus’ name I pray, AMEN.
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2 comments:

  1. UnknownFebruary 14, 2011 at 7:33 AM

    Waiting can be so difficult, but that's usually when God is preparing something so much more amazing than we could ever imagine. So, in the long run, of course it's worth the wait. :)

    Thanks for the reminder of this, Kebbers!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Run For the CrownFebruary 14, 2011 at 8:06 AM

    Thank YOU! : )

    ReplyDelete

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