Waiting on the Lord is one of the most profound expressions of faith, an act of trust that requires surrender and perseverance. Isaiah 40:31 gives us a powerful promise:
“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.”
This scripture reveals the essence of waiting—not as a passive or idle state, but as an active posture of faith that allows God to renew and prepare us. In waiting, we find strength that is not our own, and we are empowered to soar above challenges with grace and purpose. It is in the waiting that we learn to lean on God’s timing, trusting that He is working all things together for our good. As we explore the depths of this truth, let us uncover what it means to wait on the Lord, how to embrace this sacred process, and the rich rewards that come from it.
Waiting on the Lord begins with seeking Him earnestly. It is not about sitting still or resigning to inactivity; rather, it is about drawing close to God in prayer and communion. Jesus Himself modeled this during His earthly ministry, often withdrawing to solitary places to pray and align with the Father’s will. When we seek God during our waiting seasons, we create space for His voice to guide and strengthen us. Like a farmer waiting for crops to grow, we tend the soil of our hearts with prayer, worship, and trust, knowing that in due season, God will bring forth the harvest. Waiting becomes a transformative journey where we exchange our weariness for His renewal, our doubts for His assurances, and our timelines for His perfect plan.
Patience is a cornerstone of waiting on the Lord. This is not the kind of patience that grits its teeth and endures begrudgingly, but a holy patience that stems from faith in God’s character. James 5:7 likens this patience to that of a farmer, teaching us to wait with expectation and hope. Patience refines us, shaping our character and deepening our reliance on God. It reminds us that His promises are sure, even when the fulfillment seems delayed. Abraham’s journey exemplifies this beautifully. He waited decades for the promise of a son, holding onto God’s word even when circumstances seemed impossible. His faith was credited to him as righteousness, a testament to the power of waiting with hope and trust.
During seasons of waiting, God calls us to strengthen ourselves through worship and His Word. Worship shifts our perspective, lifting our eyes from our challenges to the greatness of God. King David often found himself in seasons of waiting, yet he poured out his heart in worship, declaring God’s faithfulness even in uncertainty. Similarly, immersing ourselves in Scripture renews our minds and fortifies our spirits. The Word of God is alive and active, providing wisdom, encouragement, and direction as we wait. It anchors us, reminding us that God is a covenant-keeping God who will fulfill what He has promised.
Waiting is also a time to serve faithfully. The story of Ruth illustrates this principle so powerfully. Though she faced loss and uncertainty, Ruth chose to serve diligently in the fields, trusting that God was orchestrating her future. Her faithfulness positioned her to meet Boaz, her redeemer, and step into God’s plan for her life. Serving during our waiting seasons redirects our focus from ourselves to others, allowing God to work in us and through us. It is in these moments of service that we often experience God’s grace and provision in unexpected ways.
Trusting in God’s promise of renewal is at the heart of waiting. Isaiah 40:31 assures us that those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength. This renewal is not merely physical; it is a spiritual rejuvenation that empowers us to rise above life’s storms. The imagery of mounting up with wings like eagles is a profound reminder that God’s strength lifts us higher than we could ever ascend on our own. Eagles do not flap their wings tirelessly; they soar by catching the wind. In the same way, waiting on the Lord allows us to catch the wind of His Spirit, propelling us forward with supernatural strength and purpose.
Contemporary examples of waiting on the Lord provide powerful encouragement for our journey. Joyce Meyer’s story reminds us that faithfulness in small beginnings often leads to great impact. Before becoming a global ministry leader, she spent years teaching a small Bible study, trusting God to open doors in His timing. Similarly, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. waited for years to see progress in the civil rights movement, holding onto the vision God had placed in his heart. His faith and perseverance in waiting bore fruit that changed the course of history. Priscilla Shirer’s testimony also underscores the importance of preparation in the waiting. She spent years serving in seemingly small roles, trusting that God was equipping her for greater influence. These stories remind us that waiting is not wasted time; it is a sacred season where God prepares us for the fulfillment of His promises.
The benefits of waiting on the Lord are profound and transformative. Waiting brings renewed strength, allowing us to face life’s challenges with resilience and courage. It provides clarity and direction, aligning our hearts with God’s purposes. As we wait, we deepen our relationship with God, discovering the joy and peace that come from trusting Him fully. Waiting also positions us to experience the fulfillment of His promises, just as Sarah, Hannah, and Elizabeth did when God answered their prayers for children. These women’s stories remind us that God is faithful, and His timing is always perfect.
Waiting on the Lord also increases our capacity to soar. Just as eagles use the wind to rise above storms, waiting equips us to navigate life’s trials with grace and strength. It prepares us to fulfill the purposes God has placed in our hearts, enabling us to bring glory to His name. The waiting season is not just about what we are waiting for; it is about who we are becoming in the process. God uses these seasons to refine us, build our faith, and align us with His will.
As we embrace the waiting, let us remember that God is not just preparing blessings for us; He is preparing us for the blessings. The promise of Isaiah 40:31 is not just a hope for the future—it is an invitation to trust God in the present, knowing that He will renew our strength and empower us to soar.
If you find yourself in a season of waiting, take heart. Your waiting is not in vain. Trust in God’s timing, lean into His presence, and let Him renew your strength. Like the eagle, you are being prepared to rise above every obstacle and fulfill the destiny God has for you. As you wait, remember that you are not waiting alone—God is with you, working all things for your good. When the time is right, you will mount up with wings like eagles, running without weariness and walking without fainting. Wait on the Lord, and you will soar!