The Waiting Time!
Luke 24
KJV
49+ And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high
Acts 1:7-8
NIV
[7] He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority.
[8] But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Before God does anything with anybody at anytime and anywhere, there is always a “waiting time.”
This waiting time is the time of preparation, during which time He takes the person through a series of courses, some spiritual others physical
Take the call and deployment of Moses as an example. He had to go to the wilderness, to observe and encounter the Divine through the “ burning bush” incident. His preparation began there.
Take the case of Joseph, he has to go through the course of how to manage rejection, by being thrown into a well, then brought out only to be sold into slavery by no stranger but his own brothers. Yes!
What about Paul read his own account of his “ waiting and preparation time “
Galatians 1:15-18
NIV
[15] But when God, who set me apart from my mother's womb and called me by his grace, was pleased [16] to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, my immediate response was not to consult any human being.
[17] I did not go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went into Arabia. Later I returned to Damascus.
[18] Then after three years, I went up to Jerusalem to get acquainted with Cephas and stayed with him fifteen days.
Have you ever asked why he went into Arabia, ? What was he there for? As he said, he could have gone to see the apostles to receive “appô, instructions and guidance “ but he said no I didn’t!
We can only surmise that he was in Arabia, where he underwent preparation and orientation after which he returned to Damascus!
You’ll recall he was on his way to Damascus when he was converted Read it;
Acts 22:5-6,11
NIV
[5] as the high priest and all the Council can themselves testify. I even obtained letters from them to their associates in Damascus, and went there to bring these people as prisoners to Jerusalem to be punished.
[6] “About noon as I came near Damascus, suddenly a bright light from heaven flashed around me.
[11] My companions led me by the hand into Damascus, because the brilliance of the light had blinded me.
So you now know the meaning of what he said “ later I returned to Damascus “
“I did not go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went into Arabia. Later I returned to Damascus.
I can cite many examples of how many began their walk with God. Even Jesus had to go to the wilderness! What He went through that we label “ temptation by the devil” was actually part of the course He must take. It was part of His level 101 course.
I’ve said all these things to make the case that the first few months of the year will be our “preparation time”. God intend to do great things for and with you! He must first prepare you so whatever befalls or comes your way, know that it is part of the “waiting” course.
There will be your “ burning bush”, betrayals, trials and temptations, etc period and experience; in all these know that you are being prepared for a greater assignment
Just as Moses, Joseph, Paul etc graduated and became who they are, even so you’ll be if you remain steadfast! Remember none of what they went through lasted forever!
Just know that there will be periods of inconvenience which is what they experienced. Always repeat ;
Romans 8
KJV
31+ What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
And do remember His promise and assurance,
Isaiah 43:2
NIV
[2] When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.
Don’t say I never told you. Thoughts to share!