Go Wait

In today’s society of drive thru’s, microwave food and insta pots….we have learned how to do things faster and get what we want quicker. But what happens when we have to wait? What happens when we have to wait AND be in an uncomfortable place?

This past Sunday was Pentecost Sunday. I’ve read the story oodles of times. It’s one of my favorite. Who doesn’t want to hear stories about crazy power, salvation, and tongues of fire? I love reading about the change in Peter from when he denied Christ to his boldness in addressing the crowd at Pentecost. What changed? Sure, the answer is the power of the Holy Spirit came in a rushing mighty wind and showed off BIG. But 10 days before that, Jesus left. He ascended and left 2 directives:

1. Stay in Jerusalem

2. Wait for the promise

Ok, so stay in Jerusalem, in the enemy camp? The place where they took Jesus prisoner and killed him. The place where the corrupt government and religious leaders were. The same place where the same leaders placed guards outside the tomb and lied about his resurrection? The same town where theCrowds cried, “Crucify Jesus, give us Barabass”. This same Jerusalem is where Jesus instructed the disciples to stay. Stay right in the middle of the place where they were hated. Ok, got it. Easy peasy lemon breezy.

Second directive: Wait for the promise. Ok, Jesus but how long am I waiting? What’s that look like day to day? How does my promise come? What do you do to make My promise happen? Can you tell me what we are doing and give me every tiny little detail so I can trust you?

Stay in Jerusalem. Wait for the promise.

I don’t want to be uncomfortable. I don’t want to stay in a place where I am surrounded by people who aren’t like me, are intimidating, or even mean….I don’t mind to wait on the promise as long as I don’t have to wait too long. Can I have in just a few days? I mean, after all Lord, you raised Jesus from the dead in 3 days, how long should it take for my promise?

How long until that relationship is restored?

How long until I hold a child?

How long until I am out of pain?

How long until the financial struggle is done?

How long until.???

You get the point.

I had to stop asking the Lord, “how long”? And had to start asking myself, “how am I waiting?” After the disciples were instructed to stay in Jerusalem and wait for their promise, they went to the temple daily (Luke 24:53) for worship. They praised Him daily while they were waiting on the promise. Their lifestyle was worship. I can’t help but contrast that in my mind with the Israelites who grumbled constantly and complained about everything while they waited for their promise. To be honest, I find myself looking more like the Israelites than I would care to admit.

Could the change in Peter have been how he waited and that’s what made him ready to receive His promise? If the disciples had not waited, would they have been ready to receive their promise? Do you think perhaps there were some who grew weary during that 10 days and left, refused to wait and missed seeing the demonstration of power of the Holy Spirit? Could the change in Peter have been where he waited and that was part of the preparation that allowed him to be made ready to address the crowd with boldness and have the heart to share the story of Jesus and 3000 people get saved?

While I (we) wait, Am I praising or grumbling? Does my relationship with Jesus hinge on Him being a genie in A bottle with microwave answers and insta pot promises or am I fully aware of what a privilege it is to have a relationship and be one with the ONE who knows the answers, even when I am waiting. Do I love and trust Him enough to Worship while I wait. Do I trust Him while I wait, knowing He said He would send it? What does your waiting look like? Do you believe Him when He said wait and THEN I will send it?

Wait isn’t always the answer and I’m not saying it is. Sometimes the answer is Go! Move! Step out of the boat! It’s up to each of us to know our season. But when that season is wait, I pray we recognize it and do it with grace and expectant hope, worshipping Him through it, knowing our promise is on the way!!

Isaiah 40:31: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.