“But They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up on wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.”
During a recent Bible Study my cousin said, “There he goes getting theological on us again.” I assured them that I see practical theology in everyday life steps.
I saw it this morning after a 3-mile jog. I was tired so I rested. Genesis 2:2 says that on the seventh day God rested. God is all powerful so it could not mean that He rested because He was tired. To rest means to stop and He stopped. As I stood there resting because I was tired I remember my music teacher teaching us to rest in music. I can hear him saying, “One, two, three, rest, one, two, three, rest. He showed us how to use those rests to make the music more powerful. And when God seems to be resting in our lives He was either making a powerful statement or getting ready to make one.
As I stood there resting, the story of Mary and Martha took center stage in my thoughts. Their brother, Lazarus was sick so they sent for Jesus. John 11:6 says that when He heard that Lazarus was sick He stayed where he was two more days. He paused. He was getting ready to do something very powerful. He was about to make a definitive statement that would bring comfort to untold numbers who are forced to say good-bye to loved one’s. I have said it on numerous occasions when I have walked with a coffin, sometimes in front as a preacher adn sometimes behind as a family member. The statement would, in days to come, dry many tears and give us all something to live for. He stood at the grave of Lazarus and said:
“I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die…”
My dear brother, my beloved sister, let me say that it takes power to pause. When everything inside of you said, “Hit him! Knock his block off! Retaliate! The roof is collapsing on your project! Head them off at the path! ” It takes power to pause.
It also takes character to pause. Yes, there are times when we must act and act quickly. You know about those times. But there are equally as many times when we should pause. It takes character. Remember Isaiah told us to wait on the Lord to be of good courage. The courage he spoke of indicates strength of character. He promised to strengthen the hearts of those who wait.
I know that if I had not paused, I would more than likely be dead today. Thank God for some powerful pauses. Bless you.
Life Step Ministries 
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