WHAT A HUMAN WANTS

Acts 1:1-8
1 In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach 2 until the day He was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles He had chosen. 3 After His suffering, He showed Himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that He was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 4 On one occasion, while He was eating with them, He gave them this command: "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift My Father promised, which you have heard Me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit." 6 So when they met together, they asked Him, "Lord, are You at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?" 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."

Jen just knew she would get the job that was posted at her office. She had the necessary skills and experience, and she was motivated and talented. It seemed the perfect ticket out of her current dead-end. Obviously, God was about to provide for her in a wonderful way.

But when the interview song-and-dance concluded, the company hired someone else--someone less qualified, less talented, and less experienced. Disheartened, Jen quit her job.

She was careful not to direct her anger at God, but flashes of rage occasionally scorched an unsuspecting friend or family member who stumbled into her crosshairs. And deep down, Jen was angry at God.

Eventually she got a job that permitted her to work online--a job that challenged her and made better use of her skill-set. It wasn't what she had thought she wanted, but she discovered a peace and contentment she hadn't known possible.

The disciples in the infant church didn't get what they thought they wanted either. In the days following Jesus' resurrection, His followers understandably expected everything to be different. Everything would go as planned--that is, just as they expected. So they asked, "Lord, are You at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?" (Acts 1:6). They thought the answer to their prayers--the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies--would be a political answer. The Romans would be ousted, the Messiah would rule in Jerusalem, and the disciples would become political leaders.

But Jesus had something drastically different in mind, and He soon set them straight. His answer involved waiting--though not for very long. "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you," He said (v.8). Not political power but a power beyond anything they had imagined. They proceeded to turn the world upside down, and we are the beneficiaries.

It's okay to have good expectations. But make sure they're aligned with what Jesus has in mind for you. His ways eclipse our wildest dreams. --Tim Gustafson

DESTINATION POINTS

* What goals am I setting that advance the cause of Jesus?
* When have I been frustrated because things didn't turn out as I had planned?
* Have I ever given my frustration to God?

bottom line: Pencil in your plans and give God the eraser.

soul journey