Certainly we all desire to be effective workers for the Lord. But there are many obstacles and the only way to real success is in following God’s directions. It has been wisely said, “Failure to prepare is preparing to fail.” Jesus told His disciples what they needed to do to prepare for their upcoming ministry; there is much for us to learn in this as well. First,

Jesus commanded His disciples to wait. He knew that without help they would be ineffective. The promise of the Father was the promise of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit of God is absolutely essential to the work of God. To rely on our own ability and talents apart from God’s direction and indwelling power is a formula for failure. There are times Jesus gives directions in His word that seems contrary to our own thoughts. The lesson is clear, “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” (Prov 3:5). The words of God are not suggestions they are essential to living a life of victory over sin, the world and Satan. We can know the way of victory by studying His word. “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Tim 2:15). Then,

The disciples asked a very important question. They wanted to know if God was going to establish His kingdom now that Jesus had risen from the dead. It only seemed logical and they were asking Jesus for details. He told them it was not for them to know. There are things in scripture that we do not know. Some of these things we will never know until we are in glory. That doesn’t mean they aren’t important it means that we need to have faith in God’s revelation of those things in His time. If we need to know, He will tell us. Many have speculated as to the time of Christ’s coming, but it is just plain foolish to say we know when the clear teaching of scripture is that we do not. Our encouragement is to live in the constant expectation of Jesus’ return. “Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.” (Mat 24:44). Also,

It is obvious from this verse that God’s plan was to reach out to the world with the good news of salvation to all who trust in Christ. The Holy Spirit would empower the disciples as they ministered the gospel and waited for the kingdom. In fact it is the Spirit’s work in us that is the source of effective ministry power. Are you reaching out with the good news? The disciples were to start right where they were. This is our guideline for today as well. Your family, your relatives, your neighborhood, your town, your friends all need to hear the gospel. With God’s help let’s see how He’ll work through us to reach those around us. While we work we are to

The disciples intently watched the Lord as He rose into the clouds and out of sight. It was not the end of His ministry however; it was the beginning of a new divine power packed ministry. Christ would now take His position at the right hand of God the Father interceding for believers. The Holy Spirit poised to come and indwell believers forming them into the church. A new power and a new ability based on the divine capability of God Himself. Coupled with this power is the promise of His coming again. This speaks of the “blessed hope and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13). God has promised to establish His Kingdom here on earth. Are you ready? Are you looking for His return?

Eight-year-old Peter Sweeney wrote a letter of encouragement to then President Ronald Reagan following an attempted assassination by John Hinckley, Jr. The president read the letter during a speech to the nation. Unfortunately, Peter missed the speech because he was asleep at the time. He didn’t find out about it until the next day. The Bible tells us to be spiritually awake, be ready, be busy, and be looking up as we wait for our Lord to come again. We don’t want to miss His blessings and at the same time we want to be effective workers to His glory and honor. God bless.