Waiting Upon God - Part 3

Part 3 of Waiting Upon God from Broken Bread by John Write Follette.

"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).

The third meaning of the word Wait is to watch, observe, take notice. Follette says this means "all our spiritual senses must be alive, alert, and expectant." This indicate a nearness to God, a leaning in to catch every whisper from the Holy Spirit not wanting to miss a word from the Father. This is like the servant in Prov. 8:34 who waits by the gates and the door post for his master to return home. He is always vigilant, watching the road, listening closely for the sounds of travelers. He is ready to greet his master when he arrives. Are we hungry to serve the Lord in this way, ready and attentive in case He asks something of us or desires to share His heart with us? To watch and wait like this we need to give up our own pursuits. Too many of us today are trying to serve God and ourselves. Follette says "Many today do not understand the movement of God in this world as He is speaking to us in present conditions because they are not near enough or still enough to observe Him."

I have a theory about this that few people in the body of Christ really hear and observe God this close. The rest don't actually hear God, but they make assumptions about what He is saying or will say. They base these assumptions on previous experiences or theological knowledge or by emulating other Christians or by just going with the flow of movement in the church world. There is no substitute for hearing God personally through waiting on Him in the Word and in prayer. Are all your spiritual senses alive, alert, and expectant?

The fourth meaning of the word wait means is to serve or minister. More on that tomorrow.

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