The Blessing of Waiting on God’s Promises: Lessons from Acts 1

 “He presented Himself alive to them after His suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. And while staying with them He ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which He said, ‘you heard from Me.’”

Acts 1:3-4

Dear Friends,

Waiting is rarely easy, but waiting on God’s promises brings the greatest rewards – especially when the promise comes from Jesus Himself.

The Struggle—and Reward—of Waiting

As a child, I remember the anticipation of waiting for Christmas or my birthday. The days seemed to stretch on forever, but when the celebration finally arrived, joy overflowed as I opened the thoughtful gifts chosen just for me.

In the same way, before leaving earth, Jesus promised His disciples a special gift. He knew trials lay ahead, but He assured them that His departure was good. If He stayed with them physically, they would never receive the promised Helper. By returning to the Father, Jesus made it possible to send the Spirit of Truth, the One who would be with them forever.

Who Is the Promised Helper?

Jesus explained that this Counselor, sent by the Father in His name, would:

• Teach them all things and remind them of His words.
• Testify about Him.
• Convict the world regarding sin, righteousness, and judgment.
• Guide them into all truth.

Proof of the Resurrection and the Kingdom of God

After His resurrection, Jesus spent forty days proving He was alive and speaking about the kingdom of God. During that time, He reminded His disciples of the promised gift and instructed them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for His arrival.

The Disciples’ Question and Jesus’ Answer

Still confused about God’s plan, the disciples asked about the timing of Israel’s restoration. But Jesus redirected their focus: the details of the Father’s timing were not for them to know. Instead, they were to wait to receive power – power that would come when the Holy Spirit filled them, equipping them to be His witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

Then, right before their eyes, Jesus was taken up into heaven, hidden by a cloud. The disciples stood speechless, staring into the sky until two angels appeared and promised that this same Jesus would return in the same way He had departed.

Power in the Waiting: The Coming of the Holy Spirit

Realizing what they must do, the disciples returned to Jerusalem. And while they were waiting on God’s promises, they did not waste time. They gathered with other believers and devoted themselves to constant prayer.

What a powerful example for us today! We live in a culture that despises waiting, craving instant results and quick gratification. But patience in God’s timing always brings blessing.

Don’t Waste the Waiting: Pray and Trust

So let me ask: What are you waiting for? You may not know the “when” of God’s plan, but you can trust that He is faithful and will keep every promise. Don’t waste the waiting. Follow the disciples’ example – gather with others, pray earnestly, and expect God to move. When you do, you’ll be amazed at what He will accomplish.

Love,

Mama

Are you in a season of waiting on God’s promises? Don’t waste the waiting. Use it to pray, trust, and draw near to Him. I’d love to hear your story. Share a comment below, reach out through my contact page, or sign up at the bottom of the page to receive encouragement in your inbox.