Wait & Hope in the Lord

...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. (Isaiah 40:31 (NIV))

In our daily citations for our devotions, we normally cite from the ESV bible (English Standard Version). If you read this passage in the ESV, it says "wait," but today, in keeping with the theme of "hope," we use the NIV (New International Version).

The study notes in the bible say that "wait" and "hope" come from the same root word in Hebrew, hence the two different readings, but we should take note that the two words, while sounding passive, are anything but that. 

Martin Luther was once asked what he would do if he knew Christ was returning shortly, say this Friday? He simply responded with an interesting answer, "I'd go out and plant a tree." (As I heard the story, you may have heard something similar.)

While we wait and hope in Christ, our lives take on a different meaning, a sense of urgency. We are to live each day as Christ would have us, glorifying him and his creation. We should be in the Word, pray, and devote our lives to him through faith, worship, study, and sharing the good news. Christ has a greater purpose for us as his followers, to share the good news to the lost. 

In Christ, we wait, and in him, we find our hope. In him, we take this hope and share it with those who do not know him. In him, we wait on wings like eagles, renewed and taking on life daily to his glory. "I can do all things through him who gives me strength." (Philippians 4:13).

Pray with me: Gracious Father, we give thanks for the daily bread you give us that renews us and gives us strength and hope. Help us to share this good news with others while we wait in service to you. Amen.