Anchor My Faith

Author: Stephen Weller
1,140 words, 6 minutes read time

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Wait for the Lord

But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31 ESV)

Here is a verse that applies to anyone who is willing to wait for the Lord. We must learn to be patient and wait for the Lord’s timing. King Saul failed at this and it cost him dearly. He was told by Samuel to go to Gilgal and wait for seven days (1 Samuel 10:8). Saul waited but he didn’t wait long enough on the seventh day for Samuel to come and offered the sacrifice. Just as he finished, Samuel shows up and rebukes Saul and tells him that as a result of his sin his kingdom will not last.

Those who are patient and wait, when the Lord seems to tarry, will receive the benefits. The first benefit is having our strength renewed when we grow weary. We are “strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy” (Colossians 1:11 ESV).

The second benefit is “we shall mount up with wings like eagles.” Eagles tend to live long lives as they seem to retain their youth as is born out in Psalm 103:5 ESV: “who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” Maybe this implies a more youthful vigor.

The third benefit is “we shall run and not be weary.” Paul said, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7 ESV). As we run the race and fight the good fight, the Lord will provide what we need to finish well.

The fourth benefit is “we shall walk and not faint.” The crowd had been with Jesus for three days and had run out of food and feeling compassion on them, he was unwilling to send them away hungry less they faint along the way. Using seven loaves of bread and a few small fish, he directed the crowd to sit down and he fed four thousand men, besides women and children. (Matthew 15:32 – 38). There are ways that the Lord provides for us when we have need.

Lord thank you that as we wait for you, you will meet our needs, sometimes in ways we don’t expect.

The Following Addendum Is Provided by ChatGPT

Summary Theme

Strength Renewed Through Hope in the Lord

Isaiah 40:31 teaches that those who place their trust, hope, and confident expectation in the Lord will receive renewed strength from Him. Human strength is limited and often fails, but God’s power is unlimited. As believers depend on Him, He enables them to endure trials, persevere through difficulties, and continue faithfully in their walk with Him.

Key Verse

Isaiah 40:31 – “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.”

Summary Paragraph

Isaiah 40 was written to bring comfort and encouragement to God’s people during a time of hardship and uncertainty. The chapter emphasizes God’s greatness, wisdom, and power in contrast to human weakness. In verse 31, Isaiah presents a promise for those who “wait upon the Lord”; those who trust Him, seek Him, and depend upon His timing. Rather than relying on their own abilities, they receive renewed strength from God. The imagery of soaring like eagles, running without weariness, and walking without fainting illustrates the sustaining power God provides for every season of life. This verse reminds believers that spiritual endurance comes not from self-sufficiency but from continual reliance on the Lord.

Discussion Questions with Extended Answers:

1. Why does God tell His people not to fear?

Answer:
God tells His people not to fear because He is with them. Fear often grows when we focus on circumstances rather than God’s presence. The promise, “I am with thee,” shifts attention away from the problem and toward the One who controls all things. Throughout Scripture, God’s presence is the source of courage for His people. Whether facing enemies, uncertainty, illness, or loss, believers can find peace knowing that God never abandons those who belong to Him. His presence does not always remove difficulties, but it assures us that we will never face them alone.

2. What does it mean that God will strengthen us?

Answer:
God’s strength is the divine power He provides to accomplish what we cannot do on our own. Human strength is limited and often fails under pressure, but God’s strength is unlimited. He strengthens believers emotionally, spiritually, mentally, and sometimes physically. This strength enables Christians to endure trials, resist temptation, remain faithful, and continue serving Him even when circumstances are difficult. The promise is not that we will always feel strong, but that God will supply the strength we need when we depend on Him.

3. How does God help His people?

Answer:
God helps His people in many ways. He provides wisdom through His Word, guidance through His Spirit, encouragement through fellow believers, and protection according to His will. Sometimes His help comes through changing circumstances; other times it comes by giving the endurance needed to persevere through them. God’s help is always timely and perfectly suited to our needs. Even when His assistance is not immediately visible, believers can trust that He is actively working for their good and His glory.

4. What does it mean that God will uphold us with His righteous right hand?

Answer:
The phrase “righteous right hand” symbolizes God’s power, authority, and faithfulness. To be upheld means to be supported, sustained, and prevented from falling completely. God’s righteous hand is powerful enough to protect His people and faithful enough to keep His promises. This assurance teaches that believers are secure not because of their own ability to hold onto God, but because God faithfully holds onto them. When trials threaten to overwhelm us, God sustains us and keeps us standing by His grace.

5. How can this verse help believers face difficult circumstances today?

Answer:
This verse provides comfort and confidence during times of fear, uncertainty, and hardship. It reminds believers that God is present, powerful, and actively involved in their lives. When facing illness, financial struggles, family challenges, grief, or spiritual battles, Christians can rely on God’s promises rather than their own strength. Isaiah 41:10 encourages believers to replace fear with faith, anxiety with trust, and discouragement with hope. The verse teaches that because God is with us, strengthens us, helps us, and upholds us, we can move forward with confidence regardless of what lies ahead.