Isaiah 40:31

When I was thinking about my blog, I first thought that I might do a regular devotional, like maybe weekly or every other week. Then I decided that committing to write a devotion might constrain the freedom that I have to write whatever is on my mind. If I don't feel like writing a devotion on a certain day, I need to have the option to write whatever I want. But I do want anyone who stumbles upon this blog to know my point of view and that I look at the world through the eyes of a Christian.

Then I thought about favorite Bible verses. I'm sure that, like most people, I can come up with a different favorite Bible verse any time that I am asked!

Then I thought about one of my plans for the blog, to write about the books that I am currently reading. Well, don't I currently read the Bible, and isn't that a book? Of course!

So I have decided to occasionally (no set time; I don't want to box myself in) to select a favorite Bible verse and expound on it somewhat. Please add your comments as I always welcome input.

Is. 40:31 has been a favorite verse for quite some time. But they who wait for 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. (RSV)

My son the Hebrew scholar (he made an A in Hebrew both semesters--OK, moms can brag) tells me that the original Hebrew word for wait here means not waiting, as if you are waiting on a bus, but waiting as if you are waiting on a table. Yes, it is talking about SERVANTHOOD, waiting on the Lord, serving Him. If we wait on the Lord, He will hold us up no matter how weak we feel, no matter how tired we are, no matter how much we think that we are about to faint. Anyone who has ever served any kind of mission project at all can attest to that! No matter how worn out, how much you think that you can no longer put one foot in front of the other, you get it done and the Lord holds you up. He will continually renew your strength when you are serving Him! What a concept!

Now to throw a monkey wrench into this--I read my husband's NIV, and it says they who HOPE for the Lord will renew their strength. Is the meaning still the same as when we use WAIT? I am still pondering that, and would appreciate your input.