Oliver Cromwell, the British statesman, referred to Isaiah chapter 40 as the greatest chapter in the Bible. Let’s focus on the key verse found in Isaiah 40:31, “But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.” Note three things in this great verse.

First, there is the massive problem. The words “But those who...” refers to the ones who faced being exiles in Babylonian captivity. No doubt they felt forgotten and forsaken by God. Isaiah faithfully addresses their fears in Isaiah 40:27-30, “Why do you say, O Jacob, And speak, O Israel: ‘My way is hidden from the Lord, And my just claim is passed over by my God’? Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, The Creator of the ends of the earth, Neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utterly fall.” It is encouraging to remember the sovereignty and sufficiency of the true and living God. So, in the face of massive problems, remember the Lord lovingly watches over His own.

Second, there is the active process. “... wait on the Lord...” To wait on the Lord is not passive idleness. Someone explains, that to wait on the Lord is an “active process of hopeful expectation and dependence.” Jeremiah writes in Lamentations 3:25, “The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, To the soul who seeks Him.”

Third, there is the comprehensive promise. “Shall renew their strength...” This is to exchange exhaustion for divine strength, and the promise continues to unfold. “They shall mount up with wings like eagles...” Now, that’s perspective! Francis Dixon comments, “Many Christians are earth-bound, hopping on the ground like a bird with a broken wing, instead of flying high like an eagle! You and I have been made to fly – not hop!” Dixon adds, “We belong to Heaven now (Philippians 3:20); ‘God raised us up with Christ’ (Ephesians 2:6) — so look up Colossians 3:1-2.” Our spiritual position provides supernatural perspective. “They shall run and not be weary...” Now, that’s persistence! In times of crisis, you need God’s power to persist. “They shall walk and not faint.” Now, that’s perseverance! William Carey, the British missionary statesman, said, “I can plod. I can persevere in any definite pursuit. To this I owe everything.” In the mundane times of life as you face the routine, remember God provides the power to persevere.

In Psalm 27:14 David exhorts, “Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!” May you receive the benefits as you wait on the Lord.

Dr. Franklin L. Kirksey, of Robertsdale, is the author of "Don't Miss the Revival! Messages for Revival and Spiritual Awakening from Isaiah.