Our Daily Bread 4 May 2019 Devotional – More Than Just Waiting
Topic: More Than Just Waiting
Bible in a Year: 1 Kings 16–18; Luke 22:47–71
Scripture: [Jesus] 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
Today’s Scripture: Acts 1:4–11 (NIV)
Insight
Before Jesus was taken up into heaven, He reaffirmed the Great Commission to His followers: “You will be my witnesses . . . to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). They also received three promises. First, the Spirit was going to come upon them (v. 8), fulfilling what Jesus had previously said in the upper room (John 14–16). This promise would be fulfilled days later on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2). Second, the presence of the Spirit in their lives would empower them for the task of that commission (1:8). Still today, followers of Christ are to live in the power of the Holy Spirit, not in their own strength. Finally, at the right time, Jesus would return physically to this world (v. 11).
Our Daily Bread 4 May 2019 – More Than Just Waiting
MESSAGE: Police charged a woman with reckless driving after she drove off the street and onto the sidewalk and back because she didn’t want to wait for a school bus dropping off students!
While it’s true that waiting can make us impatient, there are also good things to do and learn in the waiting. Jesus knew this when He told His disciples to “not leave Jerusalem” (Acts 1:4). They were waiting to “be baptized with the Holy Spirit” (v. 5).
As they gathered in an upper room, likely in a state of excitement and anticipation, the disciples seemed to understand that when Jesus told them to wait, He didn’t say for them to do nothing. They spent time praying (v. 14); and informed by Scripture, they also chose a new disciple to replace Judas (v. 26). When they were joined together in worship and prayer, the Holy Spirit descended upon them (2:1–4).
Our Daily Bread 4 May 2019 – More Than Just Waiting
The disciples hadn’t simply been waiting—they’d also been preparing. As we wait on God, it doesn’t mean doing nothing or impatiently rushing forward. Instead we can pray, worship, and enjoy fellowship as we anticipate what He’ll do. The waiting prepares our hearts, minds, and bodies for what’s to come.
Yes, when God asks us to wait, we can be excited—knowing that we can trust Him and the plans He has for us!
Reflect & Pray
Do you find yourself in a season of waiting? How can you see this as a season of preparation instead?
God, when I’m struggling, remind me that the seasons of waiting aren’t for nothing but help to reveal Your loving handiwork in my life.
Our Daily Bread 4 May 2019 – More Than Just Waiting was written by Peter Chin(Our Daily Bread Ministries)