In the WaitingSample

STRENGTH in the WAITING

Strength has a multitude of meanings and uses. It can mean physical strength or emotional strength. It can be used to describe personality traits or character traits. But where does the strength that lives inside of us come from? If we listen to what the world tells us, then we believe strength comes from within, that we make and build up our strength, and that we are strong on our own.Whew.That is a big burden to carry on our own! However, as Christians, we know that our strength comes from the Lord. From the truth of who God is and from the presence of his Holy Spirit in our lives.

We do not often think about needing to be strong until life throws us a curveball. Think about the story of Job. He lost EVERYTHING....and yet, even in his despair, he seeks God and asks him to be within him in this season. Have you ever been in a situation where, suddenly, life does not look the way you expected it to? As Job teaches us, again and again, where we find strength matters.

Ask Yourself:

-Read 1 Chronicles 16:11. What are you continually seeking as you are in this season of waiting?

-How do you lean into God’s strength?

-In moments of weakness, what/who do you find yourself grasping for?

Pause to Pray: Father, give me your strength on days when I feel weak. Help me to ignore the noise of the world and hear only your voice. When temptations come, help me to hear your words echo in my heart and keep me from giving in to those temptations. Infuse in me a strong desire to chase you and my relationship with you, Father. Remove what is not for me and help me to be strong to not chase it down. Amen.

Take a Next Step: In your waiting, it can be hard to stay strong when faced with people who have what you’re waiting for. For example, as a single person, it can be hard to be strong when the message of marriage and family centers around moms and dads and babies in homes and white picket fences. Today, every time you feel weak, think of God’s goodness in your life and pause to reflect or write it down. At the end of the day, and for the rest of this week, start your prayer time with God by thanking Him for these incredible blessings.