Gathering them together, He [Jesus] commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promised, “Which,” He said, “you heard of from Me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”Acts 1:4-5
- He reveals Himself to us. God walked with Adam and Eve in the cool of the garden.
- We accept His free gift of salvation. All who who receive the Holy Spirit will be forgiven.
- He gives us guidance. Noah found favor from the Lord, and God told him to build an ark.
The Christian walk is strewn with brightly colored jewels and nuggets waiting to be polished, promises. Our eyes may not be trained to look for the jewels, and the emeralds may blend in with the green grass while the rubies appear to be roses.
Step 1: Study the Bible
It’s the same with God’s promises. The Word of God reveals the promises that He has for us. The Christian is called to meditate on the Word of God, as Joshua was commanded. We need to understand the context of the promises as well as the recipients. Steeped in prayer, we wait upon the Holy Spirit to reveal God’s promises to us.
“But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. John 16:13
The Bible reveals how God’s people recognized the promises set before them. God gave Eve the promise of a Savior, Abraham the promise of a land and descendants, and Christians the promise of a new heaven and new earth.
Many promises lie within the Bible, and they wait upon God’s followers to discover and cherish.
Step 2: Wait on the Promise
Waiting is active, not passive; it’s hopeful expectation.
After Jesus ascended into heaven, the disciples waited in the Upper Room. They weren’t just sitting and wondering when the Holy Spirit would come. They devoted themselves to prayer; they chose Matthias as the twelfth disciple to replace Judas, and they expected the Holy Spirit to come upon them and give them power in God’s perfect timing.
The LORD is good to those who wait for Him,
To the person who seeks Him. Lamentations 3:25
Notice, the person seeks God as he waits for the Lord.
Throughout the Bible, followers of God waited upon Him to act.
- Joshua and his warriors walked around the walls of Jericho for seven days. They stared at the problem, the walls and the soldiers watching them from atop the walls. They walked in silence and waited upon the Lord. The seventh time around the walls on the seventh day, God acted, and the walls tumbled down.
- Joseph waited upon the Lord in the pit, in Potiphar’s house, in the prison, and in the palace. God brought Joseph’s family to him and saved a country, in His time.
6 responses to “2 Steps begin the Promise Walk”
You write with an insight that resonates with me. In particular, the way you outline clearly the steps the Lord takes in bringing us into a deeper relationship with Him. In this season of my life I am looking to pray ceaselessly as never before which means more conversation with Him – it makes me think of Enoch. I want to be His child who asks with the confidence of His love and all that truly implies; all that He states in His promises (that’s why I love the name of your blog). Waiting on Him for me will be more listening, deferring to His timing, and letting go of preconceived notions by attaining my identity in Him. Phew! That’s a lot of expectation on my part. I guess I have a lot of growing up to do. He is faithful!
Julie, We all have a lot of growing up too do. That’s the adventure we Christians have. We’re always growing towards God, deeper, higher, wider, more intimate with our Creator and Savior. In the fullness of time. The waiting is a walking waiting, a doing waiting, an expecting waiting. Practice the Presence by Brother Lawrence comes to mind. You might want to read that. I think it’s free online. It’s a quick but can be an intense read. Our traditions and customs have limited our thinking about God. His ways are higher, and His thoughts are greater than our ways and thoughts. But His thoughts about you are good; His plans are great for you. He will reveal them to you in His time. May the Lord bless you and keep you in His love, Karen
Thank you, Karen. I look forward to reading what you’ve suggested. Absolutely, I am in need of undoing traditions from the religion I knew from childhood. I appreciate you using your gift. To God be the Glory!
We’re all on this Promise Walk I look forward to walking it with you. Blessings
I am so thankful for your testimony, and how the Word transformed you! I too have sought God with my whole heart, and in thesee last 3 years have been afflicted in my joints. Deuteronomy 28 says “inflamation” is the curse put upon those who disobey God. But Galatians 3:13 says we have been redeemed from the the curse! I have trusted God for my health and healing for over 25 years but these 3 years of pain have been very difficult, though I can not relent. Your testimony greatly encouraged my stand and devotion to our mighty Father, Savior, and God! Evangeline
Evangeline, I am sorry for your pain. Jesus said “Come to me all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Hand over your pain and your health to Jesus. He will carry you. Jesus has a work to do in you, and He can use your pain for His purposes. May Jesus lead you and give you peace. Please keep me updated. I’ll be praying for you. Karen