Isaiah 40 says, ”Those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength, they will mount up like eagles with wings of great length.” https://youtu.be/YfTq-kjTZ5Y I have always loved this verse. It teaches and reminds us that we are to wait upon the Lord’s leading, versus, running out ahead saying, come with me. These days however, I am being taught that we need others to wait on us or sometimes, we need to slow down so that others can catch up. Why? Because we are stronger together versus going at life alone. That is why desiring my word for 2022 Unity is so important. This does not mean we aren’t to step out in faith and lead. in fact, I believe, ”We must sometimes 1st so we can then encourage others to do the same.”
When I was recovering from Guillain-Barre, I went to the track to measure my progress. How many laps could I walk? Would it be possible to run a complete lap? Sometimes my daughter and her son would join me. Bruce was on his bike. Often, he would realize I was far behind so he would stop and wait for me. Two things happened 1) It made me pick up my pace 2) I was encouraged to keep going as he rode along side me. The same thing happened a few months later when I not only ran a lap, I finished a 5K with my friend Kaitlyn who was celebrating almost one year from getting a heart transplant. She had to stop and wait for me so we could finish the race together.
So what is the lesson here? The next time you find yourself frustrated with someone because they are not as far along in their faith journey, understanding the mask/vaccine issues, etc. take the time to slow down and wait for them to catch up. Encourage them as they try to catch up. What if you are the one trying to catch up in the areas already mentioned or maybe gaining perspective from someone that doesn’t look like you or has been treated differently than you? You may need to step it up a bit understanding they have been trying to effect change for a long time and are wondering what took you so long ? Either way we need to strive to understand each other’s stories so we can be reminded we are indeed unique but we are all God’s children. His Word speaks to both.
1Thessalonians 5:11 commands Christians to continue to encourage and lift up fellow followers. ”Therefore, encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” and…Deuteronomy 31:6 “Be strong and courageous. · No temptation or hardship has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. · Cast your cares on the LORD and He and those who love you will sustain and move you forward” We need to do it 1st so we can then do it for others
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