Article By Article By Alena Dupré // EEW Magazine // Spiritual

The Bible says in Isaiah 40:31, “They that wait upon the Lord will renew their strength,” but if you’re honest, you don’t always feel strong while you’re looking for God to manifest His promises, provision and power.

If you are feeling weak in the wait and are growing weary of your internal struggle with doubt, here are 5 empowering Bible stories that will help you stay in expectation of a move of God.

Abraham and Sarah’s Promised Child

In Genesis 18:1-15, God promised to give Abraham and Sarah a child, but Sarah couldn't believe it. In her mind, both she and her husband were too old and her time of child-bearing had passed. The thought of her bringing life into the world seemed ridiculous. But Sarah was wrong, because nothing is too hard for God. Though she initially laughed in disbelief, we see in Genesis 21:1-7 that God did the impossible. The couple welcomed a son named Isaac. This story reminds you that it’s never too late for God, and His promises don’t expire.

Daniel's Delayed Answer

In Daniel 9:1-19, we see God’s faithful servant, Daniel, praying fervently for help, clarity and understanding. At first, nothing seemed to be happening. But after 21 days passed, Daniel received his answer. Remarkably, Daniel 10:1-12 reveals that the Lord heard Daniel’s prayer and sent an answer the same day, but the forces of darkness fought against God’s angelic messengers. Satan delayed the answer, but he couldn’t deny it. This story reminds you that, while you wait, Satan is fighting your breakthrough at every turn. Though he may hold it up for a little while, he can’t stop you from receiving your God-ordained answer.

The Woman with the Issue of Blood

In Mark 5:21-34, we read about a woman who had been bleeding for 12 long years. Can you imagine? She exhausted all her financial resources trying to find a cure. But after all the disappointment, she didn’t give up hope! This tenacious woman exercised her faith and pressed her way through the crowd to get to Jesus. When she touched the hem of the Savior’s garment, instantaneously, she was healed. This Bible story reminds you to be tenacious like her. Don’t lose your faith in the struggle. If you wait, believe and keep on pressing, God will reveal His power.

Lazarus Raised from the Dead

John 11:1-44 tells the story of Lazarus, Jesus’ beloved friend, who died of an illness. By the time Jesus showed up on the scene, he had already been dead four days and Lazarus’ family was convinced that there was no hope. But Jesus, who said “I am the Resurrection and the Life,” commanded Lazarus to come forth out of the grave. And just like that, the dead man rose, still wrapped in his grave clothes. This Bible story assures you that, when it looks like the moment for change and breakthrough has passed you by, God still will produce a miracle for you—all for the sake of His glory.

The Man Stuck at the Pool

In John 5:1-15, we see Jesus speaking with an invalid man who had been languishing at the pool of Bethesda for 38 years. So much time had passed, there appeared to be no hope of change. But Jesus had mercy on him, and commanded the impotent man to get up and walk. At Jesus’ command, he sprang up and was miraculously healed. This Bible story reminds you that, this long wait will come to an end. Be prepared. God will extend His mercy to you and change things for the better also.

And there you have it! Although waiting is surely tough, if you remember that God is faithful, you’ll do much better during your waiting season.

Keep meditating on the awesome miracles you see in these Bible stories and add a few of your own to the list. All the while, believe God to stretch out His hand of mercy and work things out favorably for you, too.