Have you ever noticed how the righteous are often caught up in the consequences of the sins of the unrighteous? Maybe you haven’t just passively “noticed” it; maybe you’ve lived it. That doesn’t seem “right” or “fair,” but as long as there has been and continues to be sin in the world that is the way it will be.
We’re reading through Isaiah in our daily Bible reading. For 39 chapters Isaiah brings a message of judgment and punishment on the wicked and testing of the righteous. God’s people would go into captivity for 70 years as the consequence of sin of the wicked, but a consequence bourn not just by the sinful, but also the few righteous (think of Daniel, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and others). In Chapter 40, the message changes and Isaiah brings a message of hope from God. This chapter begins and ends this way:
Isaiah 40:1 Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.
Isaiah 40:31 ...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.
God’s comfort is not necessarily to remove the trial (though He can and does do that if it is His will), but to provide the strength necessary to face all things. These good people like Daniel still had to spend 70 years in captivity, but God gave them the strength to do so faithfully.
God is an inexhaustible source of strength and power (the message of Isaiah 40, especially v. 28-31). Therefore, he can renew OUR strength, He can make US mount up with wings like eagles, He can make US run and not be weary, He can make US walk and not faint.
Perhaps you are in a period of testing because of the sins of another.
Perhaps you’re in a period of consequences because of your own sins. What is required to receive this help from God? Wait. Wait on the LORD. Wait on His timing. Trust in His providence. Have patience through prayer that He can sustain you. Waiting is a symbol of trust and submission (like when we tell our kids, "Wait right there until I get back!").
I trust the Lord, so I will rely on Him and follow His direction. I will follow His guidance, His path, and His word on the matter...rather than seeking my own way. How long do I wait? Until He delivers me. May God give you and me the strength to do so.