09.16

Isaiah Encouraging All to Wait on the Lord "Those who wait on the LORD shall renew their
strength. And I will wait on the LORD, Who hides His face from the house of Jacob; and I
will hope in Him. And it will be said in that day: "Behold, this is our God; we have
waited for Him, and He will save us. This is the LORD; we have waited for Him; we will be
glad and rejoice in His salvation." (Isaiah 40:31; 8:17; and 25:9)"

Isaiah's desire to live by grace was evident in his proclaiming that God's power was for
those who admit their own weakness. Now, we see Isaiah's heart for God's grace in his
encouraging all to wait on the Lord.

One of Isaiah's encouragements to wait on the Lord came in conjunction with God's promises
to give power to the weak. "He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He
increases strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be
weary, they shall walk and not faint" (Isaiah 40:29, 31). This gracious work of God in
people's lives only required their waiting on the Lord. "Those who wait on the LORD shall
renew their strength."

Another of Isaiah's encouragements to wait on the Lord occurred at a time when Israel was
rebelling against God. "For the LORD spoke thus to me with a strong hand, and instructed
me that I should not walk in the way of this people" (Isaiah 8:11). The Lord strongly
urged Isaiah to stand against Israel's rebellion, even though they were threatening the
prophet. "Do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled. The LORD of hosts, Him you
shall hallow; Let Him be your fear" (Isaiah 8:12-13). Isaiah's encouraging testimony
revealed that his heart was fully set on the Lord. "And I will wait on the LORD, Who hides
His face from the house of Jacob; and I will hope in Him." God was not revealing Himself
to rebellious Israel. On the other hand, Isaiah would "wait on the LORD" (that is, he
would "hope in Him").

Isaiah's ultimate encouragement to wait on the Lord is related to God's establishing of
His everlasting kingdom. "And it will be said in that day: 'Behold, this is our God; we
have waited for Him, and He will save us. This is the LORD; we have waited for Him; we
will be glad and rejoice in His salvation.'" Those who place their hope in the Lord during
their pilgrimage on earth will rejoice forever when the Lord implements for eternity the
fullness of His salvation for His people!

"Dear Lord, I am aware of my utter weakness, so I wait on You for Your strength and
stamina. At times, I am intimidated by rebellious people, so I wait on You for protection
and vindication. I have experienced so many earthly heartbreaks, so I wait on You for the
joy and gladness of Your everlasting kingdom."