A Devotion on Waiting

The Rev. Candice Ricker provides a good word about God's preparing us through waiting via a devotion she wrote for The Fellowship for Ascension Sunday. “So stay here in the city…”  (Luke 24:49b) Devotion “And see, I am sending what my Father promised…,” Jesus said to his disciples. They knew something was coming. It was big. It was important. It might just change them. But they had to wait. “Stay here in the city.” It’s hard to wait. We wait for answers to prayer. We wait for good news. We wait for God to renew the church. So often it feels as if we are told “stay here in the city…” when all we want to do is rush into the future. Waiting helps us prepare. Like the disciples waiting in the upper room, God readies us in the downtime. God changes and shapes us so we can see the abundant Love that will yet come. God slowly opens us so we are ready to receive the work of the Spirit. Moses waited in the wilderness. The Israelites looked for the long-awaited Messiah. We wait for Jesus’ return. May God prepare us in the waiting. Prayer God, slow us down long enough to ready a place within for your Spirit of Love. Rev. Candice Ricker Pastor, New Hope United Methodist Church West Topsham, VT