Waiting on the Lord
Scripture Focus:
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
— Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)
Devotional Teaching
Fatigue is real—not just physically, but spiritually, emotionally, and mentally. You try to keep pushing, keep praying, keep believing. But the weight of life, waiting, and unanswered prayers can wear down even the strongest heart.
That’s why Isaiah 40:31 is so powerful. It doesn’t promise we’ll never feel tired—it promises renewed strength for those who wait upon the Lord. It offers hope that God doesn’t just notice our weakness—He meets us in it.
In every season of waiting, God is not passive—He’s preparing. And when our strength is gone, His strength begins.
1. The Power of Waiting on the Lord
“But those who hope in the Lord…”
Some translations say wait on the Lord; others say hope. The original Hebrew word carries both meanings: to wait with expectation, to trust actively.
Waiting doesn’t mean doing nothing. It means:
- Staying faithful when nothing changes
- Trusting God’s timeline over your own
- Expecting that He is working behind the scenes
Waiting is not wasted when your eyes are on Him. It becomes sacred space for growth.
“The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him.”
— Lamentations 3:25
2. Strength Is Renewed, Not Manufactured
“…will renew their strength.”
This verse doesn’t say we won’t grow weak. It says God will renew our strength. The word “renew” means to exchange—we give Him our weakness, and He gives us His strength.
It’s a supernatural trade.
This is God’s way:
- You don’t push through burnout—you rest in Him.
- You don’t generate peace—you receive it.
- You don’t force outcomes—you trust Him with them.
Like a phone needs recharging, your soul needs renewal. And God is the Source.
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
— 2 Corinthians 12:9
3. Soaring, Running, and Walking
“They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
Isaiah gives us three beautiful pictures:
- Soaring – God lifts you above the chaos. This is breakthrough. Supernatural movement.
- Running – You have momentum and energy to move forward quickly.
- Walking – Slow, steady obedience when life is routine.
Not every day will feel like flying. Some days, just walking in faithfulness is the win. And God promises to sustain you through all three.
You may not feel strong—but strength is not the absence of struggle. It’s the presence of perseverance.
4. God Is the Source, Not the Schedule
Often, we want God to give us strength on our terms. But His strength flows through relationship, not routine.
You don’t get strength from a checklist. You receive it by staying connected:
- In prayer
- In worship
- In His Word
- In silence and stillness
Strength doesn’t come from knowing what’s next. It comes from knowing Who is with you.
“Be still, and know that I am God.”
— Psalm 46:10
5. What Waiting Produces
While you wait, God is:
- Refining your character
- Strengthening your faith
- Detoxing your heart from self-reliance
- Deepening your dependence on Him
Waiting creates warriors. It turns passive believers into powerful sons and daughters.
Don’t despise the waiting. It’s where strength is born.
Reflection & Workbook Section
🟦 Personal Reflection Questions:
- What area of your life are you currently waiting on God to move?
- How have you been trying to manufacture strength instead of receiving it?
- Do you see waiting as wasted time—or preparation time? Why?
- In what ways has God strengthened you in past seasons of waiting?
🟨 Journal Prompt:
Write a letter to God expressing the area of life where you feel the most tired or unsure. Ask Him to renew your strength and teach you to wait on Him with hope. Write down a promise from Scripture that you’ll hold onto during this season.
🟩 Action Step Challenge:
7 Days of Renewal
Each day this week:
- Read Isaiah 40:31 aloud
- Spend at least 5 minutes silently waiting on the Lord—no requests, just presence
- Write one thing God speaks, reveals, or strengthens in you each day
By the end of the week, reflect on how stillness became a source of strength.
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
I feel tired, stretched, and unsure. But I thank You that Your strength is made perfect in my weakness. Teach me to wait on You with trust and expectancy. I surrender my timeline, my plans, and my efforts. Renew my strength as I draw near to You. Help me to soar when You lift me, to run with perseverance, and to walk in steady obedience. Thank You for never running out of strength, peace, or grace.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Final Thought:
You don’t need to force your way forward. Wait on the Lord. In due time, He will lift you, sustain you, and lead you into everything He’s prepared for you.