“Do not leave Jerusalem , but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about” (Acts 1:4).

After His resurrection, Jesus commissioned His disciples to go into the world and make disciples of all nations (Matt. 28:19-20). They faced opposition of many kinds: a new message to proclaim; new grounds to break; new cultures to confront; new communities to establish; new mentalities to nurse; the old adversary to overcome; and their own lives to protect. They needed a power beyond themselves. Jesus Himself was that power with them while on earth (Jn. 17:12). But He was leaving them. How could they accomplish their assignment without Him?

They needed the ministry of the Holy Spirit, and that’s why Jesus told them to wait in Jerusalem for the outpouring of His power. That required obedience and forty days was a long wait. However, their focus was sharpened by the resurrection and ascension, so they patiently waited until the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit came to indwell them with His power (Acts 2:1-4).

The torch of the Great Commission has been passed on to us. The Holy Spirit is our Senior Partner and enablement. Our success depends on how well we wait and depend on Him until our final redemption.But, how are we doing?

Admittedly, waiting is one of the most difficult exercises for most people. It requires patience and endurance. It’s emotionally draining and mentally challenging. King Saul has become the quintessential example of the agony of waiting. The consequence of his failure continues to instruct us to this day. Unfortunately, we continue to struggle while waiting , despite the tremendous spiritual benefits it packs for our walk with the Lord.

Waiting allows us to focus on Jesus for our walk and the mission He has given to us with sober judgment (Heb. 12:2). It gives us the space and right perspective to commit completely before beginning a task. As Boyd Bailey writes, “The flesh wants to influence the masses prematurely, but the spirit is patient to pay the price of wise waiting before proceeding.”

When we wait upon the Lord, we overcome the flesh, and the Holy Spirit takes over. It strengthens our faith and empowers us to do God’s will. That’s what happened when the disciples waited for the Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 2:1:4). They preached the gospel powerfully and many came to the Lord (vv. 14-41); they endured persecution (4:23-31), shared what they had (vv. 32-35), served jail time for their belief (vs. 5), and lived like Christ (11:26).

So, if you are finding it difficult to obey the Lord, exercise the power of waiting. By His grace, you will exchange your weakness for His strength (2 Cor:12:9). The prophet Isaiah said it so well: “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (Is. 40:31).

That’s the power of waiting for our Christian walk.