Faith in Times of Hardship —
Part 3: When Waiting Feels Like Withering
Theme Scripture: “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength…” – Isaiah 40:31 (ESV)
Introduction:
Waiting is hard. Especially when answers seem delayed and silence from heaven feels deafening. For many of us, waiting seasons feel like wasting seasons—like life is on hold while pain multiplies and prayers go unanswered.
But in the kingdom of God, waiting is never idle. It is purposeful. In the waiting room of life, God does deep work in our hearts—cultivating patience, stretching our faith, and shaping our character.
True faith doesn’t just move mountains. It also knows how to sit still and trust the One who made the mountains.
Devotional Reflection:
1. Waiting Is Not Wasting
In Isaiah 40:31, the word “wait” doesn’t mean passive sitting. It implies expectation, hope, and anticipation. It’s like a servant watching for the master’s signal, ready to respond at the right moment.
Abraham waited for a son. Joseph waited for freedom. Hannah waited for a child. Jesus waited in the tomb. But through the waiting, God was weaving a bigger story.
Reflection: Are you willing to trust God’s process, even when you don’t understand His pace?
2. Strength Is Renewed in the Waiting
It’s tempting to think that waiting weakens us. But God says the opposite. Those who wait on the Lord will “renew their strength.” That Hebrew word for renew means “to exchange.” As you wait, God exchanges your weakness for His strength.
So don’t measure your spiritual life by speed but by surrender. The waiting room is often the training ground.
Reflection: What weakness can you surrender today in exchange for God’s strength?
3. Faith That Waits Will One Day Soar
God promises that those who wait will “mount up with wings like eagles.” Eagles fly above the storm; they don’t flap in panic—they soar in peace. That’s the reward of waiting: God lifts you higher than the storm you’re in.
Reflection: How might God be preparing you to soar after this waiting season?
Action Steps:
- Start a “Waiting Worship” Playlist.
Choose songs that declare trust in God’s timing. Let worship replace worry. - Make a “Wait List.”
Write down what you’re waiting for and next to each item, write a truth about God’s character (e.g., “Faithful,” “Provider,” “Healer”). - Practice Active Waiting.
While you wait, serve. Encourage someone else. Read Scripture. Engage your spirit.
Prayer:
Father, I confess that waiting is hard. I feel weary, and sometimes I wonder if you’ve heard me. But today, I choose to wait with hope. Renew my strength. Teach me to worship while I wait, and to trust You more deeply. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture to Memorize:
Isaiah 40:31 – “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles…”
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