Church in the Wild预览

We are Empowered

The first seven chapters of Acts are the church being equipped in Jerusalem, planted in the community of believers, and then taking everything that Jesus did on the cross to the cities around them. We are empowered to ‘go’ into all the world for a reason. We don’t stay in Jerusalem (the Church) but are called to be empowered in community to go from there to Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth (our workplaces). The goal is the ends of the earth, and the Church (community) is a place of celebration and empowerment to go. Everyone together – corporately, but we all go to our people, families, and work.

In the Bible, we often see God using a period of waiting to refine His people before a big day. We have to be empowered before we go. Jesus was empowered at his baptism before he was launched into the ministry; the disciples were empowered in Acts 2 for their ministry to the nations.

To be empowered, we need to wait on God. The apostles had to wait for the Holy Spirit for 50 days! They waited on God’s power rather than stepping out in their own strength. That is prayer for us – waiting on the power of God, so we don’t step out in our own strength. Jesus waited in prayer daily; one time, he spent all night in prayer in Luke 6:12, waiting for wisdom, guidance, and direction. How much more should we pray and wait on God? Prayer isn’t just about bringing a list of needs to God but waiting on God for wisdom, guidance, and direction.

When you wait on God, he will give you wisdom, strength, power, and hope and fill you afresh with the Holy Spirit. Your prayer life is so important; waiting on God for power is the key to everything we do.

"On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: 'Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about" - Acts 1:4

Prayer Point: Heavenly Father, I thank you for my prayer time. I thank you that you hear the cry of my heart and will supply all my needs according to your glorious riches. Teach me to wait on you in my prayer time, be silent, and wait for the Holy Spirit to guide me, give me fresh wisdom in all areas of my life, and empower me for everything you have called me to do.