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Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
RISING ABOVE THE ORDINARY
Isaiah 40:31, “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”
Isaiah 40:31 encourages us to wait on the Lord and trust in His timing.
When we do, we are promised renewed strength and the ability to soar like eagles, rising above life’s challenges.
This powerful imagery of an eagle soaring high above the storm symbolizes the divine strength and perspective we gain when we rely on God’s timing and strength rather than our own.
The eagle represents freedom and empowerment, qualities that come from surrendering to God’s plan and receiving His divine assistance.
In the broader context, Isaiah 40 speaks to a people in exile, offering hope and reassurance of God’s power and faithfulness.
Just as the Israelites were encouraged to trust God for their deliverance and restoration, we too are called to place our trust in God, confident that He will renew our strength and enable us to rise above our circumstances.
Waiting on the Lord requires patience and trust.
It means believing that God’s timing and plans are better than our own.
This involves seeking His guidance in decisions and being willing to wait for His best.
Practically, this could mean pausing before making major decisions, dedicating time to prayer and reflection, and being open to God’s direction even when it calls for delay.
- PAUSE BEFORE DECISIONS: Before making significant decisions, take time to pray and seek God’s guidance. Trust that He will lead you to the right path at the right time.
- DEDICATE TIME TO PRAYER: Incorporate regular prayer into your daily routine, asking God to reveal His will and timing for your life.
- REFLECT ON PAST EXPERIENCES: Look back at times when you waited on God and how it resulted in blessings. Let these memories reinforce your trust in His perfect timing.
- RESIST THE URGE TO RUSH: In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to rush into decisions. Practice patience by reminding yourself that God’s timing is always better than our own hurried plans.
- OPEN TO GOD’S DIRECTION: Be flexible and open to the possibility that God’s direction might mean waiting or even taking a different path than you initially planned.
There was a time when I was eager to jump into a new opportunity.
It seemed perfect on the surface, and I was ready to make the move immediately.
However, after praying and seeking God’s guidance, I felt a strong impression to wait.
It wasn’t easy to turn down what seemed like a great opportunity, but I trusted that God had a better plan.
Months later, a much better opportunity came along, one that aligned perfectly with God’s plans for me and brought immense blessings that I couldn’t have imagined.
This experience taught me that waiting on the Lord can lead to blessings that far exceed our immediate desires and expectations.
ASSIGNMENT
Think about an area in your life where you need to wait on God’s timing.
Pray for patience and trust, and write down any insights you receive during your prayer time.
Consider how waiting on God could change your perspective and open doors to new opportunities aligned with His will. Reflect on the following questions:
- What is an area in your life where you are feeling impatient?
- How can you practice patience and trust in God’s timing in this situation?
- What steps can you take to seek God’s guidance and wait for His best?
Write down your reflections and any insights or answers you receive during your prayer time.
Share these with a trusted friend or mentor for encouragement and accountability.
Hymn Suggestion: “Be Still, My Soul”
his hymn beautifully captures the essence of trusting in God’s timing and finding peace in His plans.
As you sing or listen to this hymn, let it be a source of comfort and encouragement.
Reflect on the lyrics and how they resonate with your current journey of waiting on the Lord.
PRAYER
Spend a few moments in quiet reflection, asking God to help you embrace His timing and plans. Pray for renewed strength, patience, and the ability to trust Him fully. Thank Him for the ways He has guided you in the past and express your faith in His future guidance.
By integrating these practices into your daily life, you can learn to rise above the ordinary challenges and live with the extraordinary peace and strength that comes from waiting on the Lord.
Until Tomorrow With A Shepherd’s Love, Pastor Jackson
WEDNESDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Amy Garner’s Mom
Daniel Cooper’s Mother
Darlene Wiggins
David Burnette
Denise Hulsey – Jordan’s G’mother
Donnie Butler’s Dad
Doris Loyd
Dr. and Mrs. Davis
Ed Mays
Ellen Boyd
Eric Magnusson’s Mother
Eric Ward
Faith Burnette
Freddie May’s Mom
Friend of Linda Hodge
Gail Sparks
George & Linda Alexander
George Calhoon
James Burnette
Joanie/Jeanie Mom
Jodi Bateman
John McClain’s Mother
June Cronan’s Sister
Kailey Bateman
Kathryn Raines
Kim McClain’s Mother
Krista Hilscher
Larry Barker
Lillanna Magnusson’s Mom
Linda Breedlove’s Sister – Sarah
Linda Hodges’ Sister
Lonzo Christin
Lori Blount’s Mother
Mary William’s Granddaughter
Marynell Ford
Maureen Brown
Michael Stanley
Nora Allison
Pastor Driskell
Rose Fuller – Pruitt-Monroe Nursing Home, Forsyth GA
Sandra Graham
Sarah Parker
Scott Lanier
Steve Michaels
Tom Graham (Sandra’s Husband)
Tom Witcher