"...but wait for the gift my Father promised,.....in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit."Acts 1:4-5
With the analytical mind of a physician, Luke describes to his good friend Theophilus the amazing events that occured following the resurrection and ascension of Jesus. He begins by setting the stage for the awesome entrance of God's Holy Spirit into the picture.
The ragtag little band of 120 brothers and sisters likely didn't really have a clue regarding what they were about to be a part of. All they knew was that their Lord had given specific directions before he left. His directions weren't really difficult to understand. In fact, they could really be summed up in just one word.....Wait! Yep, that pretty much covers it--waiting. No mention of planning or strategy or worry--just wait. Not my favorite word. How about you?
If they didn't plan or strategize or worry while they waited, then what did they do? You guessed it--they prayed. Where do you think they learned that? They may not have been the theologians of their day but they knew what to ask for. In Luke 11:1 the disciples asked Jesus, "Lord, teach us to pray..." We have no record of them ever asking so specifically for anything from Jesus as when they asked him to teach them to pray. Maybe they caught onto something that we still miss--Jesus' power came from his prayer time with the Father. Prayer unlocks the door that welcomes in the power of God.
Been directed by the Lord to wait lately? It's not easy, is it? Be committed not to plan or strategize or worry. Instead why not pray? It's likely that the Holy Spirit's power is waiting on the other side and your prayers will unlock the door for Him to move in ways you have not imagined.
