Acts 1:4-5

Matt Summerfield

I don't know about you but I'm not great at waiting! Patience may be a virtue but it's certainly not my strong point. Filling up with petrol, standing in long queues etc., all generate a mild degree of frustration as they 'get in the way' of getting more important things done.

And yet, I've been really challenged recently about the spiritual discipline and practice of 'waiting'.

Before Jesus ascended to Heaven, He gave his disciples a very specific instruction. Before they were to preach the Gospel, heal the sick, cast out demons, and raise the dead they were to wait. They needed to wait on God in Jerusalem until the Holy Spirit would come to fill them with power so that they would then be fully equipped as missionaries.

"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. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit." Acts 1:4-5

It's interesting to note that Jesus did not tell them how long they were going to wait. He just told them to wait on God.

We know from the biblical account that they had to wait at least ten days. Every day for ten days they waited together in Jerusalem - wondering each day perhaps whether 'today would be the day'. But for nine days there was nothing. Just the waiting. Just the praying. Just the seeking. Just the pressing in. Enduring. Not giving up. Believing that Jesus would come through on His promise. Knowing that the wait would be worth it...and of course, it was!

This really challenges me today about whether I need to improve my ability to wait. I know that God will not - does not - pander to my impatience or our quick fix culture. I know that God is looking for men and women who are willing to wait for Him - to press in.

There's a story in the book of Jeremiah when one of the Governors comes to Jeremiah and asks him for a word from God about what they should do. Jeremiah agrees and goes off to pray. Interestingly, ten days later God finally gives Jeremiah a word for the Governors. Ten days! And yet, I'm convinced that more often than not I expect to say one prayer and expect God to reply immediately and sort stuff out. It's almost like putting a penny in a slot machine and expecting an immediate result. Yet God is not a slot machine.

When you read the cry of many of the Psalms, it almost seems that God hides himself at times as people cry out 'where are you, Lord?'.

But God is not a tease and He's not playing games with us. I believe that sometimes He hides Himself because He wants us to press in and find Him. Again, God is not interested in quick-fix faith. It's too easy and we simply don't grow.

So what does it mean for us to wait on God today? What does it mean for you? I know that I need to learn to find a way to wait on God - without just closing my eyes in a chair and then, sadly for me, falling asleep. Sometimes it's good to fast (from food, tv or whatever) as a declaration that we're more hungry for God than anything else. And even though the wait is often difficult, I know that the wait is worth it - and while I wait - I'm holding on to these wonderful promises of scripture.

"Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord"
Psalm 27:14

"Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Don't worry."
Psalm 37:7

"I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry."
Psalm 40:1

"Don't say, "I will get even for this wrong." Wait for the Lord to handle the matter"
Proverbs 20:22

"The Lord is good to those who depend on him, to those who search for him. So it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the Lord."
Lamentations 3:25-26

"As for me, I look to the Lord for help. I wait confidently for God to save me, and my God will certainly hear me"
Micah 7:7

So with all these wonderful scriptures to stand upon, may God teach us all how to wait for Him - He never disappoints those who do.