Those who hope in The Lord shall renew their strength; they shall run and not grow weary Isaiah 40:31 [A rainy sunrise photo April 27 2013]

Those who hope in The Lord shall renew their strength; they shall run and not grow weary Isaiah 40:31 [A rainy sunrise photo April 27 2013]

Day 27 What Are You Waiting For?

“What comes next is very important: I am sending what my Father promised to you, so stay here in the city until he arrives, until you’re equipped with power from on high.” Luke 24:49

In this resurrection appearance, Jesus has encouraged the disciples and given them an audacious mission. Then he tells them their next step is not to “get out there and go for it”.

No, they are to wait.

Timing is important. Maybe timing is everything. Doing the right thing at the wrong time never works.

The reason for waiting on the Lord is powerful – to be empowered by God. You gotta do God’s work , God’s way. You can not do the work of the ministry on your own strength.

But why waiting is one of God’s  methods, I’m not so sure. God’s ways are not our ways. He will give us many opportunities to learn this and trust him more deeply.

Be encouraged, God is in the waiting.

But those who wait on 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.
Isaiah 40:31

In his commentary on Luke 24:49 John Gill (1697 – 1771) an English Baptist pastor, biblical scholar, and theologian understood the disciples were to wait on the Lord in prayer and silence:

But tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem; for the space of ten days; here they were to continue during that time, and not depart thence; yea, they were to sit there, as the word used signifies: they were to sit still, and be silent; they were not to begin to preach; they were only to attend to prayer and Christian conversation, and to wait for the Spirit, the promise of the Father; and who also is designed in the following clause: until ye be endued with power from on high …

Obedience is a test of character. God is continually developing our character.

In times of  waiting, the fruit of the Holy Spirit is sown deeper in our character. With the right attitude, we can increase in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22)

Jesus made a promise “I am sending to you what my Father promised.”  When he delivered, it was amazing.

What God can and will do with those willing to wait upon Him is still amazing.

Let’s Pray:

I invite you to pray with me today.

“Lord thank you for the gift of your Spirit. I ask for more of the fruit of Your Spirit to grow in my character. My hope is in You. Give me patience to wait upon You. May your kingdom come, and Your will be done. On earth as it is in heaven.  In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.”

About This Devotional Series

According to the historical church calendar, the Easter season is the 50 day period from Resurrection Sunday to Pentecost Sunday.  I’ll post a fresh devotional thought with my sunrise photo of that morning, everyday through Pentecost, commenting as the Spirit inspires. Check out the rest of the series here.

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