For Those Who Wait
Isaiah 64:4 (ESV) – From of old no one has heard or perceived by the ear, no eye has seen a God besides you, who acts for those who wait for him.
What keeps you going when things get tough? How do Christians persevere when life is heavy and full of burdens? It is difficult. Many people struggle with their faith during calamities and heavy afflictions. But the repeated phrase throughout the Scriptures for faithfulness is “waiting on God.” Those who wait on God are depicted as the faithful ones.
We see something of this described in our passage today. The prophet Isaiah says, “From of old no one has heard or perceived by the ear, no eye has seen a God besides you, who acts for those who wait for him.”
Notice the phrase “from of old.” This insinuates from the beginning of the world. The general truth known throughout mankind and the history of the world is that nobody has seen a God that compares to the LORD. He alone is God. There is none other who acts for those who wait for Him.
What does this mean? To wait for Him is to trust Him. It is reliance on the LORD despite the circumstances one might be facing. Faith is put to the test during trials and tribulations. But this is the very place where God is glorified by His people and acts on behalf of those who wait for Him. “Waiting” is an act of dependence. This is, in many ways, what faithful prayer looks like. Prayer isn’t about asking for someone one time and expecting a knock on your door the next second. God can do that, but typically God answers prayers according to His timing and not ours. This means faithfulness equals waiting for God to act on our behalf. But the promise of this text is that He does. There is no one besides our God.
What things are you waiting on Him to do in your life? Are you waiting patiently in prayer about anything these days?
God is honored by our patient and faithful waiting. He delights to act on our behalf. In fact, He will act on our behalf, but the key is our willingness to wait on Him. Wait on God’s perfect timing and wisdom.
Find delight in the waiting because you know He is soon to act.
Reflection & Journal:
- Why is waiting so hard for us?
- What is the connection of waiting and prayer?
- How does this passage or devotion speak specifically to something in your own life today?
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