A Daily Devotion for Tuesday, February 3
- ontrakk
- Feb 3
- 1 min read
Acts 1:1-5
In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”
Waiting is not easy. Especially when we are uncertain or fearful. The apostles had lived with Jesus, spent many hours (several years) with him. They knew Jesus would do what he promised. He had never let them down, and this was a promise worth waiting for. There are times when I feel like I am filling up with doubt. But even when I feel threatened to give up, God finds a way to reassure me of His promises and reminds me (in no uncertain terms) that in Him I can always find peace,
Lord God, my God, I am thankful beyond words. You have filled my heart with hope and peace. I know your promises are real and I am grateful. Amen
Becky, transforming
Acts 1:1-5. It Takes Time
Waiting is difficult. Think of how how long the Jews waited for the Messiah. "Are we there yet?" That phrase every parent has heard on a long trip. Each time we do the Communion Ritual, we end with Christ has died. Christ has risen. Christ will come again. Really! When? We really need patience for that one. Some try to predict only to have to adjust because this is something that only God knows. We have learned that his timing is very different from ours. Even knowing this, each month we say with confidence Christ will come again.
Prayer: Gracious God, continue to strengthen my patience on my journey of faith. AMEM
Acts 1:1-5
We are told in many different ways throughout the Bible to be patient, God‘s timing is not our timing but waiting sometimes can weaken me, doubt creeps in…I feel defeated…is He listening, does He care? Being truthful, I find it very challenging to push that doubt out of my mind and heart and sometimes the wait angers me. Then I think, is this satan knocking on my door? Does he see the weakness as an opportunity? (Of course he does.) Although there is doubt sometimes and I become weary, I always come back to the trust. Jesus is alive and active. Things will turn out how they are supposed to.
Dear God, I humbly asked that You give…
Acts 1:1-5
I tend toward impatience, but I seem to do a bit better with perseverance. This unlikely combination can produce tension that results in distraction away from the trust I must have to deepen and strengthen my faith. God’s timing is a mystery and Satan plays my impatience for all it is worth. “God doesn’t hear you,” he sneers. “You have to handle this yourself. You need to be your own god.” The same tired lies from the Fall in the Garden are trotted out as a lure for me to doubt the promises of the One whose promises never fail. I will try to stand firm and tell Old Scratch to get lost.
Prayer - Lord, I wait…