PERSEVERANCE WORKS EXPERIENCE

"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope (Rom 5:1-4, KJV). " . . . and perseverance, proven character . . . " (NASB). " . . . perseverance, character . . . " (NIV). "And steadfastness, approvedness; and approvedness, hope" (ASV).

Devotion 4 of 24

WAITING

Third, the element of "waiting" is found in perseverance. Here the Scripture is fulfilled. "Yet those who wait for the LORD Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary" (Isa 40:31, NASB). Observe the total absence of failure in this affirmation. The sure way to strength is waiting on the Lord! This also involves persistence. As the Psalmist said elsewhere, "I waited patiently for the LORD; And He inclined to me, and heard my cry" (Psa 40:1). It is not possible to "wait for the Lord" and be disappointed!

Waiting is not idleness, it is trust! It is optimistic dependency. This is the channel through which Divine strength is ministered to us. As our stamina begins to wane, His power is given to us. Divine enablement is provided for finishing the race that is set before us. When faith grasps this reality, the individual is willing to "wait upon the Lord." He is unwilling to proceed without the Lord. Without exception, the one who "waits" on the Lord is enabled to navigate where mere mortals fail!

Although this word was spoken hundreds of years before Christ, it remains true, "Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD" (Psa 27:14). If it seems too simplistic to you, gird up the loins of your mind and believe God. Be courageous to do so! "Wait for the LORD and keep His way. He will exalt you to inherit the land; when the wicked are cut off, you will see it" (Psa 37:34). Satan will tempt you to take matters into your own hands during trials. See that you do not do it. Take hold on the Word of the Lord, and do not let it go. "Do not say, 'I'll pay you back for this wrong!' Wait for the LORD, and He will deliver you" (Prov 20:22, NIV).

PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, teach me to wait upon You!

-- Tomorrow: HE SAW THE WAGONS --