February 25’s devotional.
“Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised.” Barry reminded us that this command came from the risen Christ Himself. The disciples had seen the cross. They had witnessed the resurrection. They had heard the promise. Yet Jesus told them to wait. Not strategise. Not mobilise. Not launch a campaign. Wait. As Barry said, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you.” Obedient waiting was not weakness. It was preparation.
Acts of the Apostles 1:4–5 records Jesus’ words: “For John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit in a few days.” The promise was certain. The timing was not theirs to control. God’s promises unfold in God’s timing. The disciples longed for action. They even asked about the kingdom. But Jesus redirected them from speculation to submission. Dependence must precede activity. Power must come before witness.
Barry pressed this truth into our hearts: “We need fuel in our tank just like a car.” The early believers prayed for ten days. They did not rush ahead. They did not manufacture momentum. They waited for the Spirit, because the Holy Spirit is God’s gift, not human manufacture. When Pentecost came, “all of them were filled with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:4). The timid became bold. The fearful became faithful. Peter stood and preached, and three thousand were added in one day. This is the work of the Spirit. Not personality. Not technique. Power from on high.
The same Spirit now dwells in every believer. Romans 8:11 declares, “If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, then he who raised Christ from the dead will also bring your mortal bodies to life through his Spirit who lives in you.” Therefore, do not strive in your own strength. Cultivate prayerful dependence. Practice daily confession. Seek fresh filling. Ephesians 5:18 commands, “Be filled by the Spirit.” This is not a one-time event. It is a continual posture. Ask yourself honestly: Am I striving in my own strength, or waiting in prayerful dependence?
Father, we confess that we often rush ahead of You. We plan, we labour, we speak, yet we forget to wait. Forgive us for striving in our own strength. Fill us afresh with Your Holy Spirit. Teach us to depend before we act. Cleanse us from sin. Renew our hearts for witness and holiness. Grant us power from on high, that we may honour Christ in our homes, our work, and our church. Amen.