Weary Waiters: Renewing Strength In The Waiting

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 40:28-31

"Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

Introduction

Waiting is one of the hardest things we do in life. Whether it’s waiting in line, waiting for test results, or waiting for a breakthrough in our lives, the act of waiting can wear us down.

But nothing tests our endurance like waiting for the promises of God to be fulfilled—especially the promise of Jesus’ return.

Many of us find ourselves weary waiters, longing for the day when all things will be made new, yet struggling to keep hope alive in the face of delay.

1. The Struggle of Waiting

The Bible acknowledges that waiting can lead to weariness.

Proverbs 13:12 says, "Hope deferred makes the heart sick." As we wait for the Lord’s return, it’s easy to become discouraged. We see the brokenness in the world—wars, injustice, suffering—and wonder why God seems to delay.

The early Christians faced this same struggle. In 2 Peter 3:9, Peter reminds them that "the Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."

2. The Purpose of Waiting

Waiting is difficult, but it is not purposeless. God uses waiting to refine our faith and shape our character.

Romans 5:3-4 teaches us that "suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." Waiting is an opportunity to grow closer to God, to learn to trust Him even when we don’t see immediate results.

Like a farmer waiting for the harvest, we are called to trust that God is working, even in seasons of apparent silence (James 5:7-8).

3. Strength for the Weary Waiters

Isaiah 40:31 offers a powerful promise: "Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength." This verse reminds us that waiting on God is not passive; it’s active. It involves seeking Him in prayer, meditating on His Word, and serving others in love.

When we place our hope in the Lord, He exchanges our weakness for His strength. We may feel like we’re crawling some days, but God promises that we will "soar on wings like eagles" as we trust in Him.

4. Encouragement in Community

God never intended for us to wait alone.

Hebrews 10:24-25 urges us to "spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." As weary waiters, we need the support of our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Let us be a community that lifts each other up, reminding one another of God’s faithfulness.

5. A Renewed Vision of Hope

The waiting will not last forever.

Revelation 21:4 promises that one day, "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." This is the hope we cling to—a hope that transforms our waiting into a time of joyful expectation.

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, "the pioneer and perfecter of faith" (Hebrews 12:2), who endured the cross for the joy set before Him.

Conclusion

To the weary waiters, take heart. The Lord sees your weariness and offers you His strength. He has not forgotten His promise, and His timing is perfect. As we wait for the coming of the Lord, let us renew our hope in Him, find strength in His presence, and encourage one another to remain faithful.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, we confess that we often grow weary in waiting for You. Help us to trust in Your perfect timing and to find strength in Your promises. Renew our hope and remind us that You are faithful. Teach us to wait with joy, serving You and others as we look forward to the day when You will make all things new. In Jesus' name, Amen.