Acts 1:7-11 NIV
7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” 9 After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. 10 They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 11 “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”
• • •
The Lord can and does redirect our life.
• • •
Acts 9:15-16 NIV
15 But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. 16 I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”
• • •
Jeremiah 10:23 NIV
23 Lord, I know that people’s lives are not their own; it is not for them to direct their steps.
• • •
Waiting is not without suffering.
• • •
Acts 20:23 NIV
23 I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me.
• • •
1 Peter 4:14-16 NLT
14 If you are insulted because you bear the name of Christ, you will be blessed, for the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you. 15 If you suffer, however, it must not be for murder, stealing, making trouble, or prying into other people’s affairs. 16 But it is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being called by his name!
• • •
Trials are tough and temporary.
• • •
Philippians 1:20-23 NLT
20 For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die. 21 For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better. 22 But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So I really don’t know which is better. 23 I’m torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me.
• • •
If we live for Christ while we wait for God we will always look forward with confidence.
• • •
Supporting Texts:
• • •
Challenge: As you approach Easter, let the truth of Jesus’ resurrection keep you looking forward to Easter and beyond with confidence.
