By Pastor William Y. K. Brown Ph.D
(Resident Pastor)
Seventh-day Adventist Church
Osu-Bethel.
Tel: 0244165628/0243310773.
wykbrown@gmail.com
GEMS FOR MEDITATION AND PRAYER
THEME FOR THE WEEK: “PRIVILEGE OF REVISITING GOD’S PROMISES,
SUNDAY
THEME: PURPOSE-DRIVEN PEOPLE
SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 40:31
“But those who wait on 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.”
REFLECTIONS
God made human beings with a purpose. Therefore, every person needs to understand the purpose of their being here on earth. Life is worth living if you know and understand the meaning and purpose of life. To wit, the essence and the driving force of life must be God-centered and God-driven. Unfortunately, the inception of sin has almost obliterated our ability to define clearly where we have come from, why we are here, and where we are going.
Isaiah describes for us a distinct people – those who wait on the Lord – they believe in God, trust and depend on Him. The inference is that not everybody waits upon the Lord, yet there exists significant gain and reward for those who conscientiously seek and patiently wait for their God to lead them. Such men and women recognize their need for God and believe in His omnipotence and immanence. They are committed to claiming every promise of God for their lives; therefore, they live productive, honorable, glorifying, and purposeful lives.
Having pricked our conscience to appreciate God’s awesomeness, Isaiah admonishes that we learn to wait on God. For centuries, this statement (Isaiah 40:31) of hope, an expression of God’s solidarity and unfailing promise, has encouraged many believers to learn and practice patience, perseverance, and endurance. When they seem to be unfairly treated, they wait for God’s direction and express faith in Romans 12:12,17-19, “[12]rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; [17]Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. [18]If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. [19]Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.” Even when they are reviled, they wait on God, who declares, “Vengeance is Mine.”
Beloved, it does not matter your status in life or your sphere of influence; the bare and saving truth states: “But those who wait on 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. New strength will be provided for those waiting for God. Amid difficulties, they will mount up with wings like the eagles and soar higher and higher out of trouble. They shall run the hottest race in their lives, but they will not be tired because they receive a constant supply of strength from God. If you run and will not be weary, will you walk and faint? No! The grace of God, His constant supply of renewed strength, and His watchful eyes will inspire us to stand for the Lord because victory is written on our faces. If you wait on God, angels will encamp around you (Psalm 34:7), and God will be with you (Psalm 46:1,7,11; Matthew 28:20).
MY SONG OF COMMITMENT
“But They That Wait” by Newlove Annan
LET US PRAY
– Praise and thank God for His promises; thank God for His daily supply of strength to you; pray to be resolute in waiting on Him;
– Pray for family, friends, and church members needing to wait on God; pray for God’s intervention in the lives of those displaced by war and disasters;
– Pray for families with differently-abled persons, parents, siblings, and carers of autistic children; pray for young people who are confused about life;
– Pray for the peace and development of the nation; pray for security and health personnel in the country; pray for the word of God to give hope and courage to those waiting on the Lord.
