04 23 08 NOW WHAT?

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you. Then you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem. You will be my witnesses in all Judea and Samaria. And you will be my witnesses from one end of the earth to the other."
(Acts 1:8 NIrV)

Jesus had risen from the grave. He had been seen by more than 500 eyewitnesses and had eaten with His disciples on numerous occasions. So logically, they wanted to know the obvious: “NOW WHAT?” When is Jesus gong to restore the kingdom to Israel? They were tired of the struggles and like many others, couldn’t wait for Jesus to change it all; and sooner rather than later!

Oh, but Jesus surprised them by saying not to be worried about His return, but he indeed would send them power. Power not to overthrow any government or other oppressive rulers, but to power continue His mission to make God known to everyone…everywhere. Christ has empowered every believer to be faithful witnesses, even while facing life and death struggles. We are saved from sin. We are equipped with His Holt Spirit. NOW WHAT?

So as we continue to ask God for healing from affliction, relief from financial burdens, and provision for this need and that need, let us not forget to ask for proper use of the power already within us: to be His witnesses through it all to those we come in contact with on a day-to-day basis.

As we go through illness, we can be an example to another one who may be sick by the way we live through it. As we go through challenges financially, we can uplift others through a cheerful spirit, a giving heart, and a trusting faith. As we go without at times, our thankfulness for what we have can encourage others to appreciate their possessions. As we go, we are to be His witness wherever we go.

What can we really do about circumstances any way? We have prayed. We have cried. We have made every human effort as well. We have been assured we are in His will and doing all God has instructed us to do? NOW WHAT?

Hear these comforting and assuring words from the Risen Christ as He whispers in our ears:

“…you will be my witnesses from one end of the earth to the other."

AMEN!