There's Purpose in the Waiting

HOPE SERIES Part 2: There's Purpose in the Waiting
Last month we began our HOPE series, addressing the lengthy waiting season we can find ourselves in, all the while trying to keep hope alive. Depending on the length of time we’ve spent waiting, it can cause a hope-deferred heart.

The Hebrew word for wait in Isaiah 40:31 describes more than just passively waiting on God. It means: to tie, twist, bind, or entwine [to make a rope].

The Passion Translation really embodies this definition:
“But those who entwine their hearts with Yahweh will experience divine strength. They will rise up on soaring wings and fly like eagles, run their races without growing weary, and walk through life without giving up.”

God is actually twisting a rope and anchoring us to Himself so we can be empowered with renewed strength to run and not grow weary.

In part 2, I want to discuss the intrinsic value of waiting. Does God actually have a purpose in the waiting? Absolutely He does!

The waiting affords the time needed to acclimatize to the heights to which we have been called. Phil. 3:14~ “I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Since God is completing the good work He began in us, our maturing and growing up in Christ; our moving into our calling and destiny; each step we take in traveling with God is actually upward rather than linear. [I.e. new levels, new heights, climbing higher and higher, not necessarily going farther and farther.]

Because of our “upward calling” in Christ there is an acclimatization process necessary to successfully navigate and summit our God-given assignments.
Acclimatize /ə-klī′mə-tīz″/ verb
1. to adjust or adapt to a new climate, condition, environment or altitude.
The mountain climbers spent a few days acclimatizing themselves to the high altitude.

A mountain climber will feel the effects of altitude around 8000’ due to the fact that there’s less oxygen in the air. This means less oxygen in their body, making it more difficult to breathe. (THIS IS WHY AIRPLANES PRESSURIZE THE CABINS TO THAT ALTITUDE).

High altitude climbers have learned how to perform at higher elevations by SLOWLY allowing their bodies to acclimate. This allows their body to create additional red blood cells, which then increases the capacity of oxygen being carried in the blood to compensate for lower oxygen levels.
  • For example, it takes months to even attempt to climb Mt Everest. Mt Everest has what is called the Death Zone. At 26,246 feet there’s not enough oxygen to sustain human life for an extended period of time. The oxygen is only one third the amount found at sea level.
  • Climb high, sleep low is a strategy high altitude mountaineers use to acclimate in which they gradually climb higher and higher during the day, but always descend to lower levels to sleep. This technique over time increases their red blood cells, thereby improving the amount of oxygen being carried to their body on the higher elevations.
  • Resist the temptation to view your season of waiting as a set-back, when in fact it’s really a step-back to bring the increase you need to summit your mountain.

Mountaineers know their training is not optional. They would never attempt to summit a mountain without it. In the same way, we must also train for the heights, and THERE ARE NO SHORT CUTS! We won’t be able to sustain the high places in the spirit without acclimatization!

All this time, you thought your waiting has been time wasted, or maybe you even thought that God forgot about you!
  • The Lord is even using this rope-twisting process to outfit you with a safety harness that is anchored to Himself!
  • You’ve been receiving renewed strength and power!
  • God is instilling confidence and trust so you can leap into the BRAND NEW!
  • He is forging fearless freedom because you are now anchored to the One who will never let you go.
Beloved, don’t lose hope in the midst of waiting. Instead, let hope finish its purpose in your life. Let the Lord equip you with every single thing you need climb your mountain, realize your dreams and step into your God-given promises. I promise you it will be worth the wait! And the view will take your breath away.

No Comments