What to Do When We Are WaitingSample

Ready for Tomorrow: Preparation in Times of Waiting

As we reach the culmination of our reflections on waiting periods, we encounter a crucial and final aspect: preparation. The early church’s experience during their time in Jerusalem, as they awaited the Holy Spirit, offers profound insights into this. Their actions in this phase were not merely about passing time but about active preparation for the mission ahead.

Acts 1:21-26 narrates how the apostles approached the task of selecting a successor to Judas. “It is therefore necessary that of the men who have accompanied us... one of these should become a witness with us of His resurrection,” Peter declared. This wasn’t a hasty decision but a careful, deliberate process. They recognized the need to fill a leadership void and set specific qualifications for the role, ensuring that the new apostle would be someone who had been with Jesus throughout His ministry and had witnessed His resurrection.

This period of preparation was marked by prayer and discernment. “Lord, you who know the hearts of all men, show which one of these two you have chosen,” they prayed. Their reliance on divine guidance in this decision underscores a vital principle: preparation in waiting times is about aligning ourselves with God’s will and being ready for the tasks He assigns us.

The story of Matthias and Joseph, called Bar-Sabbas, reflects the apostles’ understanding that the Lord must appoint leadership in the church. This principle extends beyond church leadership; it applies to every believer awaiting God’s direction. In our waiting times, we are called not just to wait but to prepare, to be ready for the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.

See your waiting as a time of preparation. Align your heart with God’s will, deepen your understanding of His Word, and prepare yourself for future service. Know that your time of waiting will not last forever. Instead of wasting this opportunity to grow and become more like Jesus, embrace the waiting. Know God is working. He sees you and is working every moment for your good and His glory. So, whether through prayer, study, or serving in your current capacity, let this waiting period be when you are actively getting ready for what God has planned for you next.

This devotional was based on a sermon by Richard Caldwell. To listen to this sermon and an episode of the Straight Truth Podcast related to this message, visit our website https://straighttruth.net/waiting-on-god-in-faith-how-waiting-strengthens-christian-faith/