Waiting is the hardest thing for us “to-do list/control” people to do! You may be asking God:
What is my purpose?
When will you answer my prayer?
What should I do while I wait?
All of the answers are found in Acts 1.
The disciples had watched Jesus be tortured and painfully die. All hope seemed lost. Then suddenly, word began to spread across the land – “He is risen!” Crowds ran to see what was next. More miracles? Bigger crowds? One asked, “Lord will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” I imagine big smiles filled the group as they listened for His next words.
His reply was not what they expected. “Wait for the Promise of the Father…”, Jesus said. And while they considered what this meant, He added “you will be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)
The message was clear: “I am done on the earth. It’s your turn! You will be my hands, my feet, my mouth across the world.” And “when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight.” (Acts 1:9)
It must have been the most confusing day of their lives. What they chose to do next became the “go to” habit for the remaining years of their ministry. These Jesus followers left together and went to an upper room to pray. “All these were continually united in prayer, along with the women…”. (Acts 1:14)
What can we do when we don’t know what to do? It feels these days as though we may be living in the “worst of the worst” times and daily we feel helpless to bring about change. Do not lose heart.
- “Wait for the Promise of the Father.” This command is rewarded over and over with a sweet confidence as we release ourselves into the hands of the Sovereign God. Search the Scriptures and hold tight the promises.
- “Be my witnesses.” Show the love and glory of Christ through your words, your actions, your generous giving of time and money – every day, as you go. There is no greater joy, no greater excitement in life, than to touch a life with hope.
- Gather together to pray – To do this is to find strength, courage, and a renewed heart through the sisterhood we were meant to enjoy.
She Loves Out Loud Global was born to gather women in prisons, churches, communities, tea rooms of tiny villages, homes and halls, next door and across the seas to lift high the name of Jesus. The women of six continents will join hearts on November 5th to “devote themselves to prayer” as sisterhood shares hope, restoration, compassion, and salvation.
Share the Good News!
“Our Father, who is in heaven, I praise you for your goodness and mercy. May the power of the resurrection be ever in in my mind and heart as I wait on your promises. Teach me patience and give me the faith to keep on believing against the circumstances. Lord, I offer my life this day to show forth your love and the hope that is found in knowing you as Savior. Amen.”
Always Expect Amazing,
Diane Strack
Founder and President of She Loves Out Loud