Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day’s walk from the city. When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. Acts 1:12-14 NIV
I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD. Psalm 27:13-14 NIV
I wait for the LORD, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope. I wait for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning. Israel, put your hope in the LORD, for with the LORD is unfailing love and with him is full redemption. He himself will redeem Israel from all their sins. Psalm 130:5-8 NIV
Do you remember a time when you were “in between”? Perhaps are you in a season of “in between” now? It can feel like being in limbo. We have many times in our lives when this occurs. For women who are pregnant the 9 months of waiting for a baby to be born is an “in between” season. Someone who has signed up to serve with the military, the time between the signing and actually reporting to boot camp, is an “in between” time. This type of season often includes waiting, preparing and planning expectantly.
In the gospel of Luke, Jesus tells his disciples, “I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high,” Luke 24:48-49. Jesus is speaking of the promised Holy Spirit. In Acts 1:12-14 we get a small glimpse of the 10 days between Jesus’ ascension from the Mount. of Olives and the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. The disciples, followers of Jesus, and family members were often together. Luke tells us, “they all joined together constantly in prayer,” Acts1:14a.
In Matthew 24:36-51 Jesus teaches his disciples about the end times, telling them only the Father knows the dates and times. Jesus also says, “Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time? It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns,” Matthew 24:45-46. Jesus is talking about the in between time. He wants us to be doing what God wants us to be doing, while we are waiting for Jesus’ return. The disciples, family members, and other Jesus followers, “they all joined together constantly in prayer,” Acts1:14a.
If you are in a season of waiting, or “in between” – spending time in prayer, planning expectantly, and doing the tasks God has already given you to do, are good ways to spend your “in between” time. The disciples and other followers of Jesus spent time together, praying, praising God, and waiting expectantly for the next chapter to begin. Spend some time in prayer about your next chapter, your next endeavor, your next ministry opportunity. Let God prepare you for your next season.
By Grace Hunter
