Prayerful Waiting
And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven. (Acts 1:9-11 ESV)
Everything was changing.
My heart was bursting as I looked out among the sea of shiny black caps and gowns. For twenty-four years, I’d devoted myself to nurturing my sons and promoting their education. Now they were both college graduates.
A month later, the family celebrated again as my younger son exchanged vows with his new bride.
After the happy couple returned from their honeymoon, my son prepared to begin his new job—500 miles from home. Tearfully, I watched my son and his wife drive away in a U-Haul. I was still waving goodbye long after that U-Haul disappeared in the distance.
My baby had grown up, and our relationship would never be the same again.
I understand how the disciples must have felt when they watched Jesus ascend into heaven forty days after the resurrection. Jesus was gone, and their role was changing.
When the disciples first realized Jesus had risen, they could hardly contain their joy. But then Jesus returned to heaven, leaving them with a new assignment. They had completed their role as pupils; now they were to be witnesses.
Major milestones often lead to changes in roles, responsibilities, and relationships.
Maybe you’ve been there. For days, months, even years, you’ve worked toward a goal. In the process, you leaned on God and felt his presence. And finally you graduated . . . or you got the promotion . . . or you moved to a new city . . . or you emptied your nest. And you celebrated.
But sometimes uncertainty follows celebration.
Now what?
What’s my new role? Will I be equipped to handle it?
Where is Jesus?
Before Jesus ascended, his disciples also had lots of questions. Jesus didn’t answer them all, but he left them with a promise and some instructions:
“And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.” (Luke 24:49 ESV)
When the disciples found themselves in this in-between time, they followed Jesus’s instructions: they returned to Jerusalem to wait. While they waited, they worshiped, and they devoted themselves to prayer.
They didn’t just “say a little prayer.” Theirs wasn’t the wishful-thinking kind of prayer, whispered once or twice, then whisked off in the direction of heaven. The Greek word for prayer, proseuche, is also used to mean “worship.” In many Bible verses, it’s linked with words like “constant,” “steadfast,” and “fervent.” It’s the type of prayer that drives out demons and opens prison gates.
The disciples worshiped wholeheartedly and prayed fervently. Then Peter led the group in taking care of the business of replacing Judas as one of the twelve. Peter believed this would ready the group for its next mission.
After ten days of prayerful waiting, the Holy Spirit came upon them in a dramatic way, empowering Jesus’s followers to fulfill their new role.
During the summer following my sons’ graduation, I learned a lot about stepping into new roles. At the time, in addition to relinquishing my role as mom, I was going through other several life-changing situations. I was newly remarried, and my responsibilities as a teacher were changing as I began teaching a new grade level. I recall propelling myself into the task of rearranging furniture (since much of my furniture had driven away in that U-Haul). I spent many exasperating days slinging around boxes at home as well as in my classroom. Several desks and tables bore the brunt of my frustration as I kicked and shoved anything in my way. That obviously wasn’t the best way to move forward.
We have to give ourselves time to adjust to change. Jesus’s followers used those ten days in Jerusalem to process the miracle they’d experienced, to pray, and to prepare. If we do the same, God will give us the power to tackle whatever comes next.
Father, thank you for the joyous events we celebrate. Thank you for helping us complete tasks and achieve milestones. As we fulfill one role, you always have a new challenge prepared for us. Help us to wait on your timing, to devote ourselves to prayer, and to approach our new assignment in the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.
Scripture for Reflection
“I wait for the Lord, my soul waits,
and in his word I hope.” (Ps. 130:5 ESV)
“When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.” (John 16:13 ESV)
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” (Rom. 15:13 ESV)
Reach for More
If you find yourself in a place of transition, take time before rushing into a new role.
- Process. Praise God and thank him for what he’s done. Express your feelings of joy or fears for the future by journaling and talking with friends. Wait on God’s timing.
- Pray. While you’re waiting, draw close to others and devote yourself to prayer.
- Prepare. As you pray and read the Scriptures, God will reveal things you can do to prepare for your new responsibilities: small tasks to complete, loose ends to tie up, administrative details to address.
At the right time, God will empower you for the next stage of your journey.
spends most days teaching a classroom full of lively five-and six-year-olds. She’s attracted to be fragrance of vanilla, the printed word, and all things blue and white. She delights in spending time with her husband and family, singing praises with her church choir peeps, and traveling. Her heart’s desire is to know God better and learn to trust him more. You can read more of her writing at MargaretKemp.com.
Photograph © Kevin Quezada, used with permission
