My first thought every time I hear or read this verse is of the movie "Remember the Titans", which was about a high school football team newly integrated. Much of the story is pure "Hollywood" but the basic truths are there. The team overcomes the racial divide in 1971 Virginia and goes on to win the state championship.
All people (races and nationalities) have had to cope with decades of prejudice. The Irish immigrants, those from Poland, Italy and India have been subjected to a "class" discrimination at one time or another, and some narrow minded Americans still refer to them by their slang names. The Israelites, too, were scorned and treated poorly by others. God's words to them were to wait, because he would strengthen them and they would be able to rise above the distractions and difficulties of life.
We, too, can receive the strength promised by God. We, too, can rise above the distractions and difficulties that life brings. Listening to God helps us to be prepared for when he speaks to us, be patient when he asks us to wait and trust him to fulfill the promises found in his Word!
