By Rubye Box
Isaiah 40:31
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
There is a reason for everything including waiting. Here is an example about today’s verse that I have experienced. Sitting in a restaurant, I gave my order to the waitress and then waited for my meal. I watched others come in, order and get their food while I sat there waiting for mine to arrive. Needless to say, I was getting somewhat frustrated. Why did I have to wait when others were getting their food right away? When the waitress brought my food, I had to ask why it took so long to prepare my order. She explained that the sauce that goes with my meal is prepared special by the chef. He can’t rush it and cannot make it ahead of time. It is custom made just for my order.
This is a reflection of our prayer life. We make requests of God. Our menu is His Word where He gave us His promises, explained the costs and assures us He will give us the desires of our heart. But if God doesn’t answer immediately or within our timeframe, we become impatient. “Lord, I prayed yesterday, and You still haven’t answered. I can’t wait much longer. Why is it taking so long?”
Others around us are seeing their prayers answered – God is moving in their lives. Yet, it appears that we’ve been overlooked or neglected. Then just when you think things are about to work out and your prayer has been answered, He pulls back the royal curtain of eternity and tells us, “Please remain seated and wait a while longer – I’m not finished yet!”
The questions pour from my heart. Do you know why the Lord has put you on the side? Do you know why you have had to wait for this blessing? Do you know why He has put you through more this time than ever before? Do you know why it seems as though He has not heard you and He does not care? Then you hear the small still voice, “Because the answer is custom made for you and since you made a request, and He only gives good and perfect things, it will come in His time and not yours. Custom made answers from God take time because they are prepared in a way that is perfect for us.” How many people have missed their blessings because they did not wait? Have patience. Keep on waiting. You made a request, now wait on God’s answer. He knows the need and He has the answer.
Father, forgive me for my impatience! So often I ask things of you and because of my anxiousness, I become frustrated and begin to doubt. Show me where my lack of trust in You has often cost me a special blessing from You. Help me to remember that all things are done in Your time. Amen