Thursday, September 29, 2016
I had an appointment with my eye doctor this past Tuesday that lasted three hours. To ask “Who likes to wait in a doctors office three hours” is about the same as asking someone if they like measles. Thankfully, this vision checkup is only once a year. Nevertheless, my wife, being very much aware of the time element involved, always takes something with her to work on while we wait. Apparently, I’m not that bright and always have to just wait and exercise my patience which is not quite that easy for me. I don’t care to have a doctor confirm it, but I strongly suspect that I have adult ADD. I’m the type that, even through traffic light changes, will write notes on a piece of paper I always have in my shirt pocket.
Anyway, during this three hour wait, I was reminded of one of my favorite bible verses, Isaiah 40:31, which says: “But they that wait upon 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.” The continual thought on that promise, in itself, helped me handle that long wait quite well. I remembered also the verse prior to this one which says:“Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall.” It is a reference to all, whether young or old, that because they think they are strong enough, will never seek the Lord’s help. These will grow weary and fall. In my case, I had no trouble knowing I needed help from God this past Tuesday to be able to cope with the long wait, so I continually asked Him to help me. Apparently He renewed my strength. My eye doctor said I don’t need prescription glasses at this time. I think that’s pretty remarkable for somebody my age. I praise Him for, it as well as our prayer warriors who were praying for me.
As far as patience is concerned, most human beings will admit that they need help in that area. Nevertheless, just like with all our other needs, trusting God is the first step in developing patience for our lives. One of the most painful events in my life involved me waiting and waiting on someone to come for me. He never showed up. It is not so with God. He will always show up. If He promises to renew our spiritual strength if we wait upon Him, He will do just that. In fact, anyone who has a high level of patience has obviously had his or her spiritual strength renewed. Whatever your need may be today, wait upon God. He will renew your strength too.
God’s promise for today: (Psalm 50:15 KJV) “And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.”
