Is This The Time?

Reading: Nehemiah 7-8; Acts 1

6 When they were together for the last time they asked, “Master, are you going to restore the kingdom to Israel now? Is this the time?” 7 He told them, “You don’t get to know the time. Timing is the Father’s business. 8 What you’ll get is the Holy Spirit. And when the Holy Spirit comes on you, you will be able to be my witnesses in Jerusalem, all over Judea and Samaria, even to the ends of the world.” (Acts 1:6-8 MSG) The disciples asked, “Is this the time?” Jesus was getting ready to leave them, and they had some questions. They wanted to know what was going to happen next. They wanted to know when things would happen, how it was going to work, and what comes next. Just like me! They wanted the plan spelled out for them. Jesus told them, “You don’t get to know the time. You don’t get to know how it’s going to work. You’ll get the Holy Spirit. And he isn’t coming to answer all your questions, he is coming to give you the ability to tell your Jesus story wherever you are – wherever you go.” They didn’t get to know the details, but knew that they would receive the Holy Spirit, and that he would guide them one step at a time. He would empower them to live for God and to face every challenge as it came. I’d like to know what comes next! Instead, what I get is the Holy Spirit to give me enough revelation for the next step – not the whole journey – the next step. And besides, I have to be watching, listening, and paying attention or I might miss even that!

God’s word to Jean and me has been so consistent through the years that every time he reminds us, it brings a smile. God says, “One day at a time, one step at a time. I’ll give you just enough light for the next step of the path. That way you’ll always be depending on me and you’ll never think you can figure it out on your own.” That’s not how I would have planned it, but then I’m not really the one in charge, am I? How about you? Are you OK with his one-day-at-a-time, one-step-at-a-time plan? Prayer: Father, Thank you for sending the Holy Spirit to empower, comfort, and guide me on my journey. I do wish I had more answers to my questions. Still, I know this: you’ve been faithful so far, and I trust you for guidance, provision, protection, and purpose for today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!