Topical Bible: Waiting: Those Who Engage in Will Renew Their Strength

◄ Waiting: Those Who Engage in Will Renew Their Strength ►

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In the biblical context, waiting is often associated with a posture of hope, trust, and expectation in God's promises and timing. The concept of waiting is not passive but involves active faith and reliance on the Lord. This theme is prominently featured in various passages throughout Scripture, emphasizing the spiritual renewal and strength that come from waiting on God.

Key Scripture: Isaiah 40:31

One of the most well-known verses on waiting is found in Isaiah 40:31: "But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not faint" . This verse encapsulates the promise that those who wait on the Lord will experience a divine exchange of weakness for strength. The imagery of mounting up with wings like eagles suggests a supernatural empowerment that enables believers to rise above life's challenges.

The Nature of Waiting

Waiting in the biblical sense involves a deep trust in God's sovereignty and timing. It is an acknowledgment that God's plans are higher than human understanding (Isaiah 55:8-9). This waiting is characterized by patience, prayer, and a steadfast hope in God's faithfulness. Psalm 27:14 encourages believers to "Wait patiently for the LORD; be strong and courageous. Wait patiently for the LORD" . This exhortation highlights the courage and strength required to wait on God, trusting that He will act in His perfect timing.

Examples of Waiting in Scripture

1. Abraham and Sarah: The account of Abraham and Sarah is a profound example of waiting on God's promises. Despite their advanced age, they waited for the fulfillment of God's promise of a son. Their journey of faith, though marked by moments of doubt, ultimately demonstrated the reward of waiting on the Lord (Genesis 21:1-3).

2. David: King David frequently wrote about waiting on God in the Psalms. In Psalm 40:1, he declares, "I waited patiently for the LORD; He inclined to me and heard my cry" . David's life, filled with trials and triumphs, exemplifies a heart that consistently sought God's timing and intervention.

3. The Disciples: After Jesus' resurrection, the disciples were instructed to wait in Jerusalem for the promised Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4). Their obedience in waiting led to the outpouring of the Spirit at Pentecost, empowering them for the mission ahead (Acts 2:1-4).

Spiritual Benefits of Waiting

Waiting on the Lord cultivates spiritual maturity and deepens one's relationship with God. It teaches reliance on God's strength rather than human effort. As believers wait, they are often refined and prepared for the tasks God has set before them. The process of waiting can also lead to greater clarity and understanding of God's will.

Furthermore, waiting fosters a sense of peace and contentment, as believers learn to rest in God's promises. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages believers not to be anxious but to present their requests to God, resulting in the peace of God guarding their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Conclusion

The biblical principle of waiting is a powerful testament to the strength and renewal that come from trusting in God's perfect timing. Through the examples of faithful individuals in Scripture and the promises found in God's Word, believers are encouraged to embrace waiting as an integral part of their spiritual journey.

Nave's Topical Index

Isaiah 40:31
But they that wait on 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.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Soldier Priests
... and gentle, like the ideal of those knights of ... still, compassionate, tender in the
priest's waiting before God ... point in this description must now engage us for ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/soldier priests.htm

Directions to Awakened Sinners.
... to employ himself in his service, waiting only the ... and those, whose near relation
should rather engage them to ... make his utmost efforts, and those very unwearied ...
/.../practical discourses on regeneration/discourse ix directions to awakened.htm

Nature of Covenanting.
... While waiting on any of the means of grace, elect ... obviously implies, according to
the state of those to whom it ... one or other of two things:"to engage to the ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter i nature of covenanting.htm

Concerning Worship.
... this also is a part of worship will not be ... Now how is this waiting upon God, or watching
before ... and profanity, but also hypocrisy, and those wickednesses [823 ...
/.../proposition xi concerning worship.htm

A More Particular view of the Several Branches of the Christian ...
... carry it against all, and keep you waiting quietly for ... reclaim men from such courses,
but to engage them to ... O Lord, to work in me all those qualifications of ...
/.../the rise and progress of religion in the soul/chapter xiv a more particular.htm

Psalm LXXI.
... ye on your guard against men that engage your souls ... 3159] already in me believing,
already in those that first ... in faith and love, still however waiting for the ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxxi.htm

Appendix.
... Should they have to engage in a struggle for these, let ... we will, like a squadron
on the field, waiting for the ... On the subject of the duty of those who still ...
//christianbookshelf.org/cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/appendix.htm

False Comforts for Sinners.
... take a ride, or go into company, or engage in business ... will of God, and is not
applicable to those who are ... of hell, and thankful that God is yet waiting on him. ...
/.../finney/lectures on revivals of religion/lecture xvii false comforts for.htm

part iii.
... west, are seemingly in the posture of waiting for evangelical ... and safe keeping of
property, must engage, more or ... of a soul redeemed; and all those great and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/clark/the faithful steward/part iii.htm

Jewish views on Trade, Tradesmen, and Trades' Guilds
... him both a hereafter and the hopeful waiting for it ... and do not press on the notice
of those in power ... law, if accompanied by worldly occupation: to engage in them ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 11 jewish views on.htm