Written by Scripture:
“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.” — Isaiah 40:31 (KJV)
Historical and Exegetical Context:
Isaiah 40 was written to offer comfort and hope to the Israelites during their time of captivity in Babylon. The prophet Isaiah is speaking to a weary people who had lost hope after years of exile. This chapter reassures them that God has not abandoned them. Verse 31, in particular, serves as a promise that those who trust in the Lord will find renewed strength. Isaiah uses the imagery of soaring eagles, running without weariness, and walking without fainting to illustrate the power of God’s sustenance for His people. The message is clear: in times of trial, waiting on the Lord brings strength, not through human effort, but through divine empowerment.
Greek/Hebrew Word Insight:
The Hebrew word for “wait” is קָוָה (qavah), which means to “look eagerly for” or “hope in.” It’s not passive waiting, but a hopeful, expectant trust in God’s timing and provision. The word for “renew” is חָלַף (chalaph), meaning to “exchange” or “pass on.” It implies that as we wait on the Lord, our human weakness is exchanged for God’s strength, allowing us to continue without weariness.
Reflection:
In our moments of great despair and struggle, we find ourselves at the breaking point, where we just can’t take another hit in life. We fight for every step forward, grasp hold of every inch that we can gain, but in the end, it’s never enough. When we are at our end, this is where we meet the Lord at His beginning. Sometimes the Lord must allow us to get to the end of our own strength so He can fully show up with His. We are inclined as human beings to strike out in our own strength, our own might, and our own will to make something of ourselves and our lives. But God is the giver of every good thing we can ever enjoy. While He is a gentleman, He will never force Himself upon us, but too often it’s when we are fully spent, empty of all that makes up our effort, that we are finally willing to let Him into our lives and lean on Him for strength, for wings to fly, for our second wind to run, and for our steady staff to walk. Today, we who are weary are being offered a special gift of patience. With the gift of patience, we position ourselves for God to move as He declared in His Word. May the gift of patience be your reward in your breakthrough as He comes speedily to renew your strength.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for the gift of patience. Thank You for not abandoning us when we strike out on our own. Thank You for meeting us at our end with Your answer of new beginnings in You. Renew us, Lord Jesus, and may we humble ourselves to lean into Your ways, for Your plans will always be greater. Amen.
Action Step:
Take a moment today to rest in God’s promise. When you feel weak or weary, pause and allow yourself to wait on the Lord. Instead of rushing through the day in your own strength, commit to trusting God’s timing and ask Him to exchange your weariness for His strength. Write down one area in your life where you will practice patience this week and invite God into that process.
Prophetic Word (Ellen):
The Lord says, “I am taking you to places that will shift your very mind about who you are in Me. I will show you why I created you, why I love you so, and what I will do in and for you. Never look too far, for I am right here working out all of the details. Even when you fail to see My Hand, know that I am indeed busy in all of your needs. I will not leave you without Purpose. Decide to struggle no more this day. The breaking has already begun. Tomorrow is not just a day, but THE Day! Even in the silence and hidden, will your answers come. What you moved against will release you into a road less traveled but one of Glory. Do not be alarmed when others do not understand what I am doing in your life. It is not meant for their understanding. Trust the Process. My angels are released before your steps. My guidance will show you which decisions over the next few months. The path may seem windy, but you are right on target for My Presence in all areas.”
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