Joyful Ruins

Acts 1:4-8

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. ⁵ For John baptized with^[a] water, but in a few days you will be baptized with^[b] the Holy Spirit.”

⁶ Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”

⁷ He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. ⁸ But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Jesus has risen and has appeared to His disciples. He has commanded them to go and make disciples of all nations. Before Jesus ascends to heaven. He tells them to wait. He also tells them that it is not for them to know times or seasons the Father has fixed. If they wait, they will receive power from the Holy Spirit and be witnesses to the ends of the earth.

This encourages me greatly in my waiting, especially in a season of preparation or transition. We may know God’s commands and want to take action, but God makes us wait. He places us in a time of rest, stillness, of what feels like a time of nothingness. You can’t see anything happening, you don’t know what to do, where to go, and God hasn’t spoken clearly to you.

I can’t help but wonder if He is making you wait for the same reason He made the disciples wait. That after a time, you will receive more power. Right when the Father chooses, He will shoot you like an arrow towards the bulls eye.

Only He knows the times and seasons, but, isn’t it worth it if the waiting means receiving power from the Spirit and witnessing to the ends of the earth? Hang in there. Stand firm. I believe this uncomfortable season you face, I face, is preparing you for the promise of the Father.