The Main Idea
We’re conditioned to see waiting as weakness, but in the Kingdom of God, waiting is preparation. Before the power of Pentecost came, there was a pause. Before the Spirit sent the disciples out, He shaped them within. God often does His deepest work in seasons of waiting. The question is: Are we present to what He’s doing now?
Scriptures
Acts 1: 1-8
In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach 2 until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. 3 After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 4 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.”
Questions for Discussion
- What’s something you’ve had to wait for recently maybe in life, work, or relationships? How did you feel during that waiting?
- Why do you think waiting feels like a waste in our culture today? How does this contrast with what the Bible teaches about waiting on God?
- Read Acts 1:14. What stands out to you about how the disciples waited together before Pentecost? What could it look like for our group to “wait” in a similar way?
- What’s one thing in your life that you may need to surrender in order to be more open to the Holy Spirit? How can we support each other in that surrender?
This week, create intentional space in your schedule to wait through prayer, worship, or silence. Don’t rush ahead. Instead, ask God to prepare you, to speak to you, and to strengthen you. Power is coming, but first, let Him prepare your heart.
