But first, wait
And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me; Acts 1:4
Most of us are familiar with the Great Commission when Jesus’ commanded His disciples to go into all the world and be His witnesses. It’s found in the Gospels and again in this first chapter of the book of Acts. However, before sending His disciples out, Jesus gave them a critical instruction to do first: Wait.
On the day of His ascension, Jesus told His followers not to leave Jerusalem but to wait for the promise of the Holy Spirit. Only after they were baptized with the Holy Spirit would they receive the power to be effective witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8).
This revelation changed everything for me. Growing up in the church, I often heard the message that we are to be witnesses. Honestly, it always seemed like something hard to do. I had many questions like: How can I share my faith effectively? How would I be able to reach people in a way that transforms lives? When I learned that God had given us the power through the His Holy Spirit, it made all the difference.
Anyone can talk about Jesus, but to truly impact others and to see hearts open, lives changed, and people drawn to God, you have to have the Holy Spirit’s power.
This principle applies not just to witnessing but to every area of our calling. No matter what God has asked you to do, whether in ministry, career, family, or leadership, the first step is to wait for his direction and empowerment. You must press into His presence and receive the power of the Holy Spirit. This is the key to walking in His purpose for your life and doing it effectively.
Once the Holy Spirit empowers you, you will be equipped to reach your home, your neighborhood, your city, your country, and even beyond. His power will propel you forward, guiding your steps and making you effective in everything He calls you to do.
If you feel like your life is lacking in the Holy Spirit’s power today, here are some things you can do to activate that power in your life, right now:
- Ask for a Fresh Filling – Just as the early believers needed continual refilling (Acts 4:31), so do we. Each day, ask God to fill you up with His Spirit.
- Spend Time in His Presence – Worship, pray, and meditate on His Word. Waiting isn’t about inactivity; it’s about preparing your heart to receive His power.
- Be Aware of His Promptings – Pay attention to the nudges in your spirit throughout the day. The Holy Spirit often speaks through thoughts, ideas, and opportunities to encourage or help someone.
- Step Out in Faith – When you sense God’s leading, move. Whether it’s sharing your testimony, offering a prayer, or serving someone in need, trust that His power is working in you.
- Stay Connected – Surround yourself with other Spirit-filled believers. Their encouragement and insight will strengthen you as you walk out God’s purpose.
Today, I want to encourage you to wait on the Lord. Don’t rush ahead in your own strength, instead seek the power of the Holy Spirit first. Just as the early church depended on His presence, we must also be filled daily to walk in boldness, wisdom, and fruitfulness.
When you wait on Him, you will be empowered. When you are empowered, you will be effective. And when you are effective, the world will see Jesus through you.
Today’s scripture reading: Acts 1:4-8
4 And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me;
5 for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”
6 Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?”
7 And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority.
8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
The Daily Dose 