dennis j adams

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 ESV)

One of the most difficult things for many to do is wait patiently. There is a real difference between being patient and waiting than just waiting. Patience is one of the segments of the Fruit of the Spirit that we have been given.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23 ESV)

Patience defined is this: endurance, staying power, persistence, and fortitude. Wow, now that sounds like a God characteristic, which has been placed in the heart of the believer.  Having the characteristics of Christ is what Christians should have. Other characteristics such as kindness, love, goodness, mercy… You get the picture don’t you?

When the Lord gives the directive to wait upon Him, that is what He means, wait. Hang out till He comes or gives the “go ahead”.  I can’t imagine the many who have jumped the live of obedience and moved forward. The sense of loneliness or failure that may have occurred is to drastic to even ponder. 

Prior the promise that will be with those who wait is a few “key” words that must be pointed out here.  Check out the testimony written in Psalm 121.   The other words to notice are that He gives power to the faint and increases strength to the mighty. You would think with that said one would realize that God has it all together. But He reminds the obscure, know it all thinkers that even the youth shall faint and the young men shall fall in exhaustion. The concept goes beyond our understanding because His ways (understanding) are unsearchable. To the logical mind it would seem that if someone were youthful or young that they could move ahead on their own strength and win the battle of life, hands down!

In the spiritual, those that live a life that embraces grace, faith, trust and hope in the Living God, they know the absolute dependence upon God and His sustaining power.  Patience is a “classroom” designed by God to teach us to obey and to have fortitude in His promise.  He wants to couple with your dreams and aspirations. He desires to see you win the race and to gain the Crown of Glory!

It seems so simple to just wait on Him so He can fulfill all that He has promised to you. Yet, it just as simple, but an error in judgment, when one moves ahead of His sustaining power and grace.

The Psalmist stated in the 27^th division of Psalms this important meditation and command:

Wait for the LORD;? be strong, and let your heart take courage;?   wait for the LORD!

Now to me that is the right thing to do! Wait on Him in everything and see the miracles and provisions of the Lord I your life.

This week ask the Lord where you may be running ahead. Ask Him to help you have patience in all things. Your decisions effect more than just yourself!

 Dennis