The Word and The World

^{Just Slow Down}

^“29 He energizes those who get tired, gives fresh strength to dropouts. ³⁰ For even young people tire and drop out, young folk in their prime stumble and fall. ³¹ But those who wait upon God get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles, They run and don't get tired, they walk and don't lag behind.” Isaiah 40:29-31 (MSG)

In the ‘60’s, there was a song by Simon and Garfunkel called “50^th Street Bridge Song.” Most people know this song by its chorus: “Slow down you’re moving too fast… Got to make the morning last…” I was reminded of this the other day as I was heading home from helping my youngest brother get some work done on his house.

I decided for whatever reason, to take the old highway instead of the Interstate for most of the trip back. I was amazed at the slice of Americana that the highway transported me through. The road was empty as compared to the snarl of the interstate. It was a refreshing trip down a highway I had last seen some 30 years earlier, before the interstate existed.

Too often, we rush to get from place to place and to get everything done that we must accomplish, we don’t take the time to slow down. I feel that Scripture encourages us to wait upon God, to practice patience and let things happen in God’s timing.

Now I know that in this day of instant gratification, waiting upon God is an unpopular thought. But, then again it has never been popular. Abraham and Sarah couldn’t wait for Sarah to give birth, so her maid, Hagar was sent in to fulfill the promise. But, it wasn’t God’s timing. God’s timing and the fulfillment of the promise only came with the birth of Isaac.

Throughout history, when people of faith have been content to wait upon the Lord, the outcome has been astounding. Right now, during my search for a new called position, my patience is often tried. My wife and others, keep wondering when I will next serve a church if that is what God wants, why don’t I abandon ministry and find some secular work?

My only recourse is the passage above from Isaiah. I must place my trust in God’s timing and wait upon the Lord, confident that my wait will be rewarded.

Loving God, there are times when waiting upon you seems contrary to all we need to do in life. Grant us the patience and the courage to wait upon your will and work in faith that we might rise up in service of your name. This we ask in the name Jesus Christ, our risen Savior. Amen.