by Matt Holfeld, Go In The Name
Tom Petty definitely had it right when he sang that waiting was the hardest part. Of course he was talking about something totally different than me but the premise remains the same, waiting is a discipline that we all struggle with.
As the COVID-19 Pandemic continues to keep the world shutdown, we’ve been waiting, rather impatiently I might add, to get back on the mission field. This year was supposed to bring us the excitement of new partnerships and new opportunities as well as the joy of seeing the Lord continue to move through our existing partnerships. Instead, most of the year has been filled with frustration and anxiety as we saw our spring and summer plans canceled.
Then I thought about the apostles in Acts chapter 1. They were ready to go set the world of fire with the message of the Gospel. They had seen the resurrected Savior and were bursting with joy and hope. Yet, Jesus told them to wait...wait on the power of the Holy Spirit. We know that the Holy Spirit came at Pentecost which was some 50 days after the resurrection and 10 days after Jesus ascended to heaven in Acts chapter 1. So, what did the apostles do during that time? I think they did the very things we should be doing right now.
1. They spent time with Jesus. Acts 1:3 tells us that Jesus spent 40 days visiting with the apostles between the time he rose from the dead and ascended to heaven. I’m sure they were hanging on his every word and anxious for instruction.
One thing the pandemic has given us is more time. Working from home, not going out as much, and worshipping alongside our families, from the comforts of our living rooms, has given us more time. It is imperative that we take advantage of the extra time and spend it with Jesus. Grab a devotional book, select a book of the Bible and study it, start a prayer journal. Get with Jesus!
2. They prayed. I love how Acts 1:24 begins, “Then they prayed…”. They were seeking the Lord’s direction. In fact, they were praying when the Holy Spirit showed up at Pentecost. I think it is not only important that we seek the Lord for provision and encouragement during this time but also for wisdom and direction for what we’re supposed to do when it ends.
3. They planned. The apostles were making the move to replace Judas, and get back to ministry at full strength (Acts 1:21-26). I keep telling myself that this pandemic won’t last forever and that we’ll eventually get back to work on the mission field. We shouldn’t be waiting until then to plan though. We should be planning right now! That way we are able to quickly, and efficiently, get back to the business of church planting and equipping in Colombia and Panama.
What is your plan for after the pandemic? If your answer is, “I don’t know” then might I suggest going back to the first two things the apostles did.