WHEN A TIME OF INACTIVITY SLOWS YOU DOWN
Acts 1:4–8, 12–14; 2:1–4
I have little doubt that at some point in your life, there have been times when you were made to wait and probably weren’t too happy about it. It could be something as simple as a railroad crossing, a traffic light or any number of routine construction zones on the interstate.
One of the most frustrating experiences is waiting on hold with annoying music. Once, a company allowed me to choose my preferred hold music. While the wait was a bit more pleasant, the length of the delay stayed the same.
Have you ever considered that waiting has meaningful spiritual benefits? Most of the time when we wait, it is due to the actions of others or circumstances beyond our control or choice. History shows repeated evidence of God calling His people to wait. He is eternal and not in a hurry. What we often see as wasted time is actually a time of testing and providence from the Father.
Sometimes God places us in a season of waiting. (1:4–8)
Imagine how full of adrenaline, excitement and even uncertainty the disciples must have been after Jesus ascended to the Father.
They had no idea what awaited them, but they knew one thing: Christ instructed them to wait. Maybe Jesus wanted them to focus on unity and meditate on the events of the previous six weeks.
We do not fully understand the timetable Jesus had in mind but their obedience was expected. The arrival of the Holy Spirit was imminent, and Christ knew what was best.
A time of seeming inactivity can be a time for prayer and drawing close to God. (12–14)
Each of us has the same amount of time each day. While circumstances may arise that demand our attention, any time spent with others in the Christian community, worship and prayer is never wasted. The bonds a church can form through serving others, praying for one another and fellowship is invaluable. Times of waiting are never times of waste when God has us in a holding pattern.
Waiting doesn’t mean laziness. There are clear instructions for all of us while we wait on God during a season of our lives. As you wait, continue using your gifts, stay in His Word and foster unity among your brothers and sisters in Christ.
God will do His work through us in His timing. (2:1–4)
In one of the most remarkable scenes in all of Scripture, we see what happened at the end of their praying and waiting. The Holy Spirit came and empowered the believers, and we see the birth of the Church along with a surge in people coming to Christ.
You and I may wait days, months or even years to see God fulfill a promise, but that does not mean we cannot choose to trust Him daily while we are waiting.
As you wait, you can be assured that God is working. Are you? God is never in a rush; His timing is perfect. Be patient while you wait, even if it means listening to cheesy music as you do it.
EDITOR’S NOTE — The Sunday School lesson outlines are provided by Lifeway.
By Bobby McKay
Pastor of New Liberty Baptist Church in Morton, Mississippi
