09/30/2024
Today is the last day of September and this morning's devotion speaks of the fullness and boldness of prayer. This year is passing by quickly, and we are looking forward expectantly as we wait for Christmas to arrive. We wait on many things of faith during the year, just as the disciples of old did, but let’s focus today on how Jesus told his disciples to remain in Jerusalem until the Holy Spirit came. They were expected to sit tight, to wait, just as we are expected to wait until we receive those things of prayer that we are anticipating. Our opening scripture today will be Luke 24:49.
“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
The apostles are told to remain in Jerusalem until they are clothed in power... but they didn't just sit around! Scripture tells us that they spent each day in the temple blessing God...
“While he blessed them, he parted from them and was carried up into heaven. And they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple blessing God.”
Luke 24:51-53 ESV
We are meant to pray with the full expectation that our prayer will be answered, and in Acts 2 we read about the answer the disciples received to their obedience and those expectant prayers. Listen:
“When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.”
Acts 2:1-4 ESV
The power of God was given them and the sign it had arrived was evidenced by the voice of all men everywhere; every language of the gentiles, and the Jews who had gathered there in Jerusalem from around the world.
When we pray in our secret places, we should know there will be an answer, we should be as dedicated to our own prayer as the apostles were to theirs. We should deliver our petition and then bless God as we go to Him day after day waiting patiently, and expectantly, until His time is right and He answers us.
God already knows our need before we pray the words, but he wants us to actively wait and exercise our faith in Him; trusting that He can, and will, deliver on His promise to us.
“If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”
John 15:7
What would have happened if some of the apostles had left Jerusalem before the moment that God delivered His power? What happens when we abandon our prayers before they have been answered? We have lost faith. and like the seed that fell on the rock.
“Now he [Jesus] told them a parable on the need for them to pray always and not give up.”
Luke 18:1 CSB
“Other seed fell on the rock; when it grew up, it withered away, since it lacked moisture.”
Luke 8:6 CSB
Lord give us faith and determination when we pray. Give us the confidence in your promise to await your answer; even as the Apostles did when they waited upon the Holy Spirit. Lord we will praise you day and night and wait expectantly upon you. You are good and true to your word... in this we have no doubt, whether we wait ten minutes, ten days, or ten millennium. Just as your timing is in Habakkuk, so is your timing regarding the answer to our prayers… even when it seems slow in coming it will surely come.
“This vision is for a future time.
It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled.
If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently,
for it will surely take place.
It will not be delayed.”
Habakkuk 2:3 NLT
Prayer:
Father, thank you for promising to answer our prayers if they are prayed within your will, and in the name of your Son Jesus. Thank you Lord for giving us the strength in faith that is needed to patiently wait upon you, and to pray expectantly each day for your certain answer. Help us Father to have unwavering faith and hope in you as we worship and bless you while waiting upon the arrival of your answer to our prayers. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you whose word is true, and in whom our trust never goes without its reward. Merciful and full of grace are you who not only gives wings to our prayers, but fills us with joy as we await their return. Today we pray for many things Father, and we believe that you will provide us with an answer to these prayers. You were faithful and loving when you sent your Son Jesus Christ to redeem us, and you are most certainly certain to send Him again. You promised eternal life to those who believe, and we believe. You promised to send Jesus to come again for us, and in this promise we believe as well. Hear our prayer as we pray “Come, Lord Jesus”, and strengthen us as we wait upon Him… worshipping and blessing you all the while.
And all God’s children said… Amen, Amen, Amen!
“He who is the faithful witness to all these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon!”
Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!
May the grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s holy people.”
Revelation 22:20-21 NLT
Rich Forbes