Waiting for the Power: Finding Our Next Step

Jan 11

Introduction

As we step into a new year, many of us are asking, "What comes next?". This past Sunday, we looked at the opening of the book of Acts to see how the first disciples handled that same question. We learned that following Jesus isn’t about knowing every detail of the future, but about trusting His authority and waiting for His provision

Scripture

Acts 1:6–8 (NKJV)

"Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, 'Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?' And He said to them, 'It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.'"

What This Teaches Us

This passage reveals that God is the true hero of the story. While the disciples were anxious for a political timeline and a sense of control, Jesus redirected them to a much bigger mission. God has already done the work of resurrection through Jesus; our role is to wait for the power He provides so we can bear witness to that truth.

It also tells us something honest about ourselves: we often prefer results over relationship and power without the patience. However, the "waiting place" is often where God produces the richest fruit in our lives. It reminds us that the church doesn't grow through our clever strategies alone, but through a deep, prayerful dependence on the Holy Spirit

Key Takeaways

Trust God’s authority over the timeline. We often feel anxious when we don't know what’s coming next, but Jesus reminds us that the "times and seasons" belong to the Father. Instead of trying to control the future, we can find security in knowing that our lives are held in the sovereignty of His care.
Waiting is a form of active obedience. Waiting on God isn't about being idle; it’s about learning to trust Him in the tension of the unknown. Just as a stage crew prepares the scene before a performance, God is often working behind the scenes in our lives long before we see the results.
Our witness flows from our dependence. We cannot accomplish God's work in our own strength. Like an electronic device without a battery, our efforts eventually wither if they aren't connected to the source of power—the Holy Spirit. Authentic growth happens when we prioritize being with Jesus before doing for Jesus.

Application: Living It Out Today

This week, try to move with the Spirit rather than just moving for movement’s sake.

Notice: Each morning, take five minutes of "unhurried time" to ask God to align your heart with His before you start your to-do list.
Relational Action: Identify one person in your life who is going through a "season of waiting" and send them a short note of encouragement or a prayer.
Small Step: Before making a decision or responding to a stressful situation this week, pause and ask: "Am I rushing ahead, or am I seeking the Lord's counsel first?".

Reflection Question

Have I been seeking the Lord’s counsel for my "next steps," or has prayer been an afterthought in the midst of my busyness?

Invitation

We would love for you to grow with us as we explore what God has in store for our community.

Watch the full sermon on YouTube to dive deeper into Acts 1.
Join us in person next Sunday at Highland Hills as we continue our journey together.

Rachel Ferrell

Rachel Ferrell runs a real estate business in Southern Middle Tennessee, rooted in Tullahoma. She didn’t grow up here. She chose it. That matters, because she understands what it’s like to build a life, a network, and a sense of home from scratch.

She works with buyers and sellers locally, and she also trains real estate agents across the country on how to communicate clearly and use content to build real relationships. As a StoryBrand Guide and KWU Certified Trainer, she helps agents stop sounding like marketers and start sounding like humans.