Time Out: Weekly quiet times for the youth worker’s soul.

Last week I read Isaiah 40:31 in a way I’ve never read it before.

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

We’ve all heard people use this verse as an excuse to “wait on the Lord” by doing nothing, but after some further study, I feel more confident that I don’t think that’s what Isaiah is saying here.

The word “wait” in this passage actually comes from the same word we get the word “waiter” from, someone who waits on someone else by serving them.

Those who renew their strength and run without growing weary do not do so because they’ve sat around resting for so long, passively waiting for the Lord, but because they actively waited on the Lord as His servant. They exercised their serving muscles so much that they’ve built stamina, with the Lord’s help, to keep going.

Reflect

• During the tough times of ministry as a youth worker, what gives you the stamina to keep going?
• What are you waiting on the Lord for?

Posted on July 18, 2011