Waiting
“On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about.”
(Acts 1:4)
Waiting is hard. We want everything done quickly. Let’s face it, we don’t like to wait.
Are you waiting for God to answer a prayer of yours?
While we may want to take matters into our own hands, God works on a different timetable. His ways are perfect because He IS perfect.
The disciples had to wait. After Jesus had died on the cross and rose again, He appeared to the disciples several times. On one occasion, He told them not to leave Jerusalem, but WAIT for the gift promised – which Jesus had talked about earlier.
“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you.”
(John 14:16-17, NKJV)
They were waiting for the Holy Spirit to come upon them so they could fulfill what God called them to do. It’s clear from these verses this was a promise that was personal to those who loved Jesus.
Imagine the disciples. Will the promise come today? Will it come tomorrow? Next month? When will it come? When? When? When?
Sound familiar?
Waiting requires trust. Yet, in that time of waiting, God uses it to change us.
It’s in this time we have to trust God’s timing is best. We have to trust that He is working all things out for our good. But remember what happened when the gift of the Holy Spirit did come?
“On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages,as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.”
(Acts 2:1-4)
Power came upon them and everything changed in an instant.
Maybe you are waiting right now.
Don’t give up. Keep seeking. Keep praying. Keep believing. Keep waiting.
God’s timing is perfect. Wait on God. Wait for Him to show and lead you. Trust in Him. Wait so that the Holy Spirit may work with power in you! Remember in an instant everything can change.
Prayer: Father, sometimes, it’s so hard to wait. For those who are waiting on a promise – I ask that You would strengthen them today. For those who are waiting on a child to come to know Jesus – I ask that You would send people in that son or daughter’s path that would encourage them and speak truth in love to them. Your Word does not return void. For those who are waiting for God to heal them or their loved one – Lord, I ask for Your healing touch – as You are the Great Physician. During this time of waiting, strengthen us Lord. Comfort us, Lord. Thank You for loving us and doing what’s best for us as we wait on You. In Jesus’ name – Amen.
God knows your situation and your circumstance. It’s so hard to wait. As you wait, please know I’m praying God will encourage you today and bless your day!
-Christine