Jonathan on 11 April 2005

Scripture
Acts 1

7He told them, "You don't get to know the time. Timing is the Father's business. 8What you'll get is the Holy Spirit. And when the Holy Spirit comes on you, you will be able to be my witnesses in Jerusalem, all over Judea and Samaria, even to the ends of the world."

Observation

Luke is writing about the Acts of the Apostles/Acts of the Holy Spirit. He is trying to communicate the power of the move of God to Theophilus, how nothing can stand in the way of the work God wants to achieve. These are Jesus'' last words to his chosen disciples before his final ascension.

Application

Like the Disciples, I want to know, "Is this the time?" I struggle with the uncertainty of representing Christ and living the life he has called not knowing what he wants to achieve, or whether anything will be achieved any time soon.

Case in point: I want to be a witness but I don't say anything about God or his work in my life. Though I get many opportunities, I don't tell anyone anything of what I've experienced, either because I don't know how or because I can't know God's timing. I need the Holy Spirit to enable me to witness as the Apostles did, as the Holy Spirit did in the days of Acts.

Prayer

Father, let me not be frustrated by the lack of results. Teach me trust you God and your timing. When nothing I do seems to bear fruit, when the people I speak to remain unchanged by your reality in my life, help me to be steadfast as your witness. Grant me your Holy Spirit once again that I may live a life trusting in your timing, witnessing of your goodness and love. Holy Spirit fill my heart once again today. In the name of Christ who instructs me in all these things I pray, Amen.