Wednesday, January 22, 2025
Let’s go back to ancient Israel, right after Jesus was crucified and rose again.
The entire Jewish world is in turmoil.
Jesus’ followers are jubilant but also a little confused as to what to do next (Acts 1-2). At the same time, former Christian persecutor, Saul, experiences a dramatic encounter with the risen Jesus (Acts 9), transforming him into Paul, the author of much of the New Testament and the primary missionary to the Gentile world. His about-face has left those who didn’t embrace Jesus fearful and bewildered.
What should we do when we find ourselves in a similar “neutral zone,” that in-between place where we have closed the door on one stage of our lives and are looking forward to the next? We can’t and don’t want to go back, but moving forward can be confusing and scary.
The Bible teaches us that when you find yourself in a place of uncertainty, the best thing you can do is wait on the Lord, trusting that he will continue the work he began. We see this in Acts 1, as the disciples are waiting for the gift that Jesus promised them before he ascended into heaven. And again in Galatians 1, as Paul spends time alone in Arabia, preparing for the next stage of his ministry.
These men knew that following Jesus could eventually cost them their lives. In a speech to the church in Ephesus, Paul said he didn’t know what awaited him as he journeyed toward Jerusalem, but he knew it was his purpose to preach the gospel wherever God led him.
Acts 20:24
But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.
The decision to follow Christ cost most of Jesus’ disciples, including Paul, their lives. But they knew the risk was worth it. They trusted that, even when they couldn’t see what the next day would bring, they would not err if God was their focus.
We would be wise to do the same.
When it feels like you are just waiting, that nothing is happening, and you are unsure of your next step, trust in God! He is using your wait to prepare you for the next stage of the adventure he has planned for you.
Questions:
Are you in a waiting place? When you are in a neutral zone, what is your first response? Does waiting on the Lord to direct you seem like “enough”?
Next Steps:
If you find yourself waiting, write out your prayers. Tell God what you are feeling and ask him for guidance. Spend time reading through the book of Acts and see how the early church faced the challenges of being the first followers of Jesus.
21 Days of Prayer
Day 17—Faith
Today’s Prayer Focus: To Express my Faith in God’s Ability (Jeremiah 32:17)
Today’s Prayer
Dear God, nothing is too hard for you! Through your great power, all things are possible. All authority is yours, all might is yours, and I know that your victory will be complete. You are amazing, and I worship you. I glorify you for your power and presence in my life. You are my God, and you are worthy of all praise. Amen.
Series Theme Verse:
Romans 12:2
Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
This post was written by Julie Mabus, a Whitehouse attendee, and a regular contributor to the LivingItOut.