Thursday, October 15, 2009

Active Waiting

For our team Bible study our we have decided to go through the book of Acts. The book of Acts is full of so many pick-me-ups for those of us desiring to see others come to know Christ (which should be all Christians). It is amazing to see how the Holy Spirit uses "normal" people (like you and me) to spread the gospel to a land that is often times unwilling hear it.

This week we went through the first chapter of the book and I noticed several tidbits in verses 12-26. After the ascension of Christ (vs. 9-11) we see that the disciples are told to wait in Jerusalem. Can you imagine all the emotions? Wouldn't you have exctiement to tell your story, sadness to see your friend and Savior leave, confusion as to when exactly He would return and as to what the Holy Spirit was exactly going to look like? I will testify that I am awful at waiting! When I feel that there is something that must be done then I just do it. However, the disciples obeyed and went back to Jerusalem to wait.

But I noticed that their waiting was not without activity. "These all with one mind were continually devoting themselves to prayer." (vs 14) In verses 15-26, Peter searched the Scriptures and the disciples chose Matthias to replace Judas. Although they were waiting as Christ had said they weren't just lounging around like couch potatoes. It was an ACTIVE WAITING. They were actively waiting by preparing themselves through prayer and study.

Another thought is that outward activity and busyness isn't always a sign of doing a great job. We don't know exactly what God has planned, but we do know that His ways are higher and His plans are better than anything our human minds can imagine.

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