Can you obey?

The disciples were given a difficult task in Acts 1: go to Jerusalem and wait. “Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day’s walk from the city. When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.” (Acts 1:12-14, NIV) 

Do you have trouble waiting on God? I do. I like to make things happen. I’m a very active person. I ski, kayak, hike, play with my grandkids, and work out. But I don’t like to wait. Can you imagine how these disciples felt after seeing the miracles and the ascension of Jesus? I’d like to paraphrase the words of Jesus: “Ok gang, I know you are all excited, but I need you to do something really hard. Go back to the place of My betrayal and wait. That’s right. It will be dangerous and scary, but just wait. I promise that I will send help from the Father.” 

friend, have you ever had to just wait on God?

The Bible says, “... 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, NKJV) 

friend, you may be in a difficult place: a bad job, a troubled marriage, or a desperate situation. I’m sure you feel like making something happen, but God has promised that He will do something for you. Wait on Him in prayer. Fast and join with other believers.

Did you notice that they all went back to Jerusalem and found a place of prayer in an upper room? They waited and prayed and waited and prayed for days. They didn’t give up. In fact, other believers joined them and jammed into this typical second-floor house. It must have been packed with 120 believers on their knees and faces in quiet intercession. Don’t forget—Jerusalem was the most dangerous place in the world for believers. You may be in a desperate and dangerous place, but I exhort you to wait, pray, and get ready for the Lord because you are a miracle.