Waiting on God's Promises

Scripture: Acts 1:13-14 "And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James. These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren."

I have heard many Christians say, "I am waiting upon God's time or promise". That's sounds good. God has put many promises in His Word (Bible). We know that He has good plans for our lives and He is faithful to accomplish each promise He has made for us. No doubt about that! 

In the text we have read, Jesus had just left the disciples and ascended to heaven. Before He left them he instructed them to go and wait in Jerusalem for the promised helper. During His days with the disciples before his crucifixion, He told the disciples that He was to go to the Father but would not leave them as orphans but would send them a helper who would live with them and tell them more about the Father, John 14:16-18. Jesus didn't want the disciples to feel stranded so he made a big promise for a Helper who would bring hope to their lives, ministry for God and for the generations that would later put their trust in Christ. He now reminded the disciples that they must go to Jerusalem and wait for the Big promise. I know they were very certain that God was going to send the promise and this elevated their hope. Nonetheless, they entered Jerusalem and moved into an upper room as a team. They shut the door and jointly began to pour their hearts out to God in fervent prayers, praying in one accord. The day of Pentecost came about ten days from when they began praying. 

The Holy Spirit found them in deep prayers to God. They didn't sit in Jerusalem to merry neither did they remain lazy with their lives. They knew that for sure God will finally send the promise at His perfect time but they too had to do their part by praying. They didn't just pray for one day but they prayed and trusted God until the promise came to them. Today many believers say that they are waiting for God but they don't wait in prayers. They love God's promises in the Bible but they don't draw closer to God each day through prayer and reading His Word. Yes, God has promised it but you and I have a role to play. We must to not sit and relax but should draw to Him each day as we pray. We must learn to be patient and wait as the disciples example to us. Are you waiting for God to answer you in any requests or promise? Pray until something happens!

Pastor Eliazar Wambo, Director Bethesda Faith Ministries