“Gathering them together, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promised, which, He said, ‘you heard of from Me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.'” Acts 1:4-5
There’s something counterintuitive about Jesus’ command here. The disciples had just received the Great Commission (to go into all the world) and now Jesus tells them to wait. Not to strategize, not to mobilize, but to wait. This waiting wasn’t passive, though. It was expectant, positioned, ready to receive what only God could give: His power through the Holy Spirit. Sometimes our greatest act of obedience isn’t doing more, but waiting for God to equip us with what we truly need.
We live in a culture that celebrates action and productivity, where waiting feels like wasting time. But God’s economy works differently. Before we can be effective witnesses, we need the power that only comes from Him. This means our daily rhythm should include intentional time to receive from God—not just to ask for things, but to be filled with His Spirit. Are you rushing into your day, your relationships, your witness, without first being filled? The power to live out God’s mission doesn’t come from our effort or eloquence, but from His Spirit working in and through us.
Reflect:
- What areas of my life am I trying to accomplish in my own strength rather than waiting for and relying on God’s power?
- How can I create space in my daily routine to intentionally wait on God and be filled with His Spirit?
- Ask God to help you recognize where you’re operating in your own strength, and pray for a fresh filling of the Holy Spirit to empower you for the mission He has for you today.
