We’re all-in for personal transformation. However, renewal requires waiting. Let’s discuss.
A New Year
Turning the page on a new calendar year is often a time for reflection.
A time to look back, but also to look forward. And, to envision who we can become.
The resulting personal transformation involves inner renewal. However, with that renewed vision comes long periods of disciplined growth.
Thus, renewal required waiting.
Don’t you know this?
What don’t we know? That God gives power, ability, and renews us, Isaiah 40.28-31.
We must recognize that renewal is possible. But, renewal demands we “wait on the Lord.”
Ok, wait for what? For God’s: timing, teaching, and transforming.
Truly, the issue with waiting isn’t God’s sufficiency, but our self-sufficiency! Hence, our need for transforming renewal.
Ok, renewed for what? Keep reading! InIsaiah 41.1, after renewal, we share our insights with others. That sharing comes from the overflow of an abundant life.
Transformation that renews us will multiply the impact of our sharing.
Fact is, energy for life comes from renewal. Thus, at the end of our self-sufficiency and strength, God renews us so we conclude “…when I am weak then I am strong.”
Waiting on the Lord
In times of severe challenge, we’re encouraged to wait on the Lord, Psalm 27.13-14, and hope in Him, Psalm 31.9 and 31.24.
Those verses, just like Joshua 1.6, 1.9, and 1.18, repeat the pairing of the word “strong” or “strengthen” with the phrase “good courage.”
By waiting with hope, we’re encouraged in the Lord. He strengthens us. The challenges don’t disappear, but our outlook is transformed.
We receive inner strength from God by choosing patience and hope. He strengthens our hearts.
Ok, strengthened for what? We’re strengthened so we trust God’s sovereign choices for us during seasons of challenge. Therefore:
1). Wait on the Lord.
2). Encourage yourself in the Lord.
3). Be strengthened by the Lord.
A Practical Example
David was dealing with a series of setbacks and long-running pressures, First Samuel 27.1, 29.4, and 30.1-5. He was “…greatly distressed” First Samuel 30.6.
However, David “…encouraged himself in the Lord” First Samuel 30.6, and sought God’s leading in prayer, First Samuel 30.8.
Consequently, during times of severe challenge, it’s critical to lean on our relationship with the Lord.
Ok, lean on for what? We lean on the Lord because that’s where we find transformation that renews us – – emotionally, physically, and spiritually.
We all need transformation that renews us while we’re seeking a way forward. Thus, ask: What’s my part in this? and What’s God’s part in this?
Apply This Today!
What we don’t know can be problematic. That’s especially true when we don’t know what we don’t know! By seeking wise counsel and divine guidance we can break out of the don’t-know-what-we-don’t-know trap.
Transformation that renews us isn’t about powering through, or at the other extreme, sitting helplessly. Instead, renewal is about engaging in our own personal growth. It’s about being clear about who we are and our divine purpose for this season of life.
For a person of faith, renewal is an intensely spiritual process. As such, it’s good to know who we are. But, it’s much more impactful to know who we are in regard to our relationship with El Shaddai – the Almighty God.
A Question to Consider
Waiting is easy to write about. However, waiting is hard to do in real time – especially for me! What helps you get through periods of waiting while needed growth occurs in your life?
I’m Dale Young. My posts share the balanced life to build wise character and guide wise behavior.
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