Intro: Hunters wait for the kill
Pregnant women wait 9 months for the birth
Patients wait on the doctor
Husbands wait on their wives while they shop
Teenagers can hardly wait until theycan drive
Psalm 62:5 “My soul, wait quietly on God alone.”
Waiting is not the absence of movement!
Waiting is not delay!
Waiting is preparation!
Acts 1:4-8, 12-15
Luke 24:49 Jesus said, “Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry (wait) in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.”
What do you do while you are WAITING?
Lessons from The Disciples as they waited
THE PURPOSE OF THEIR WAITING vs. 4
To receive the Promise of the Father-
POWER of the Holy Spirit
What is the purpose of your waiting? What are you waiting for? Healing, Job, Finances, Son or daughter, loved one to come home, His will for your life
1. THEY POSITIONED THEMSELVES to receive the Promise vs. 12-13
They were in the right place- Jerusalem
They were in the right place- the Upper Room
2. THEY PRAYED WHILE THEY WERE WAITING vs. 14
Nothing happens in the Kingdom of God unless it is preceded by prayer -John Wesley
We have got to pray while we wait.
We are called to prayer-
Pray without ceasing 1 Thess. 5:17
Vs. 14 says in prayer and supplication- that is PLEADING
This means these disciples while they were waiting prayed earnestly.
They were passionate in their prayers
They were persuasive in their prayers
Men ought always to pray
3. THEY WERE PATIENT & PERSISTENT WHILE THEY WERE WAITING vs. 14
…these all continued…
They didn’t quit while they were waiting
They didn’t complain while they were waiting
They didn’t throw in the towel while they were waiting
They didn’t turn their back on the Lord on day 3 or day 9. They kept waiting.
Ps. 37:7 “Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him.”
4. THEY REMAINED POSITIVE WHILE WAITING vs. 4
How? Because they had a word
Remember Luke 24:49 when Jesus spoke to them- His Word
Vs. 4 he commanded them to wait for the Promise of the Father
They had faith to believe it would happen. The promise would come.
Hebrews 11:6 “But without faith it is impossible to please him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”
They knew their faith would be rewarded. They had walked with him and saw him work. They saw the miracles. They saw his resurrected body. They knew his word was always true. You gotta get a word from God
5. THEY PLACED PEOPLE IN PROPER POSITIONS vs. 24-25
Gettting ready. They were preparing for the ministry ahead. Had to get the right people in the right positions. God lead for Matthias to take Judas place.
6. SUDDENLY The WAITING IS OVER
The Promise was Manifest
The dream had arrived
The day had fully come
If you will keep on walking, continue to pray, don’t quit remain positive and patient
SUDDENLY ONE DAY-it will happen
Hab. 2:3b(AMPLIFIED Version) Though it tarry, wait [earnestly] for it, because it will surely come; it will not be behindhand on its appointed day.
Your suddenly season is right around the corner
Tomorrow is a big day
Then we will be able to proclaim as David did
Psalm 40 : 1-3
I waited patiently on the Lord; and he inclined to me and heard my cry
He also brought me out of a horrible pit
Out of the miry clay and set my feet upon a rock and established my steps
He has put a new song in my mouth
Praise to our God
Many will see it and fear
And will trust in the Lord.
