When Wait Means Wait
We are back to a cloudy and rainy day. The continual rain in our area creates some genuine concerns about flooding in the various places and canyons in northern Colorado. It was less than two years ago that significant damage took place from Estes Park to Greeley, and along the Poudre in Fort Collins. In the midst of all my hospitalization, Debbie at the time was dealing with water in our basement.
Last night Debbie and I attended the “vision and worship” service for the new southwest hub of Mile High Vineyard. The planned launch is in the fall and my son Christian will be the site Pastor. They had a good attendance for a Thursday evening gathering and it was great to hear the heart and background of Lead Pastor Jay Pathak and to listen to Christian share vision and challenge people to action. Churches in Fort Collins are studying together Pastor Jay’s book, “The Art of Neighboring.”
While we were in Denver, we picked up my mom to bring her back to Fort Collins for a few days as we approach the Mother’s Day weekend.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Wait for the Lord; Be strong, and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord.” Psalm 27:14 “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.” Isaiah 40:31
I am somewhat embarrassed to admit that all these years my understanding of “waiting on the Lord” from Isaiah 40:31 has been incorrect. Perhaps some of it was relying on my own church tradition and not taking time to to do an in-depth “word study.” After all why take time on what you already know?!
I have traditionally viewed the well known verse in Isaiah 40:31 as a call to fervent and consistent prayer. I recall growing up with the practice and encouragement of “waiting on the Lord in prayer.” As a pastor I would encourage people to come to a place of prayer…for a time of “waiting on the Lord” and seeking Him.
Last night I experienced a “God moment.” At the end of the service after a time when people were receiving prayer, a young lady slipped over and introduced herself and shared Isaiah 40:31. She said, “As I stood in the back during our prayer time, I just felt lead to come share that verse with you.” What was interesting for the first time as she shared that verse, it dawn on me that, “waiting on the Lord” means….“wait.”
Here is some additional perspective to help understand the significance of this timing. Just before the men’s retreat last weekend, my physical therapist told me that the strength in my right leg may not improve from its current state. Then at the retreat I received more prayer in a 36 hour period than any time, I can recall. We had a sister church from Loveland that was also on a retreat at the YMCA in Estes Park, so anyone on crutches was a magnet for men of faith.
In the process, it did get me thinking about my need for God to sovereignly do what medical wisdom and evaluation said would not come in the normal recovery process. I found myself thinking, “okay, God I’m ready for a real miracle!” It would be okay for me to go from disability to full ability once again…in a moment!
So the timing of the Lord’s message, through an obedient person was the message I needed. I needed to hear the reassuring word from the Lord that He hears our prayers, is aware of my situation and is just calling me to persevere and yes….“wait.”
I found this commentary on Isaiah 40:31 that puts the challenge in such a powerful and encouraging way….
“No one can wait on the Lord if he or she does not truly trust in God as the rock of their strength and refuge in all of life. Waiting means claiming God’s promises by faith and resting in what God is doing in our lives so we can faithfully follow God’s principles and keep His values, priorities, and pursuits.” (https://bible.org/article/waiting–lord)
So often I say, as others have, the Lord’s answer to prayer is, “yes” “no” or “wait.” So I will “wait on the Lord” with expectation and trust and persevere in doing what I can, while I anticipate the Lord doing what He alone can do.