Those who wait.....

How strange it is....before this, I would not have thought it possible for me, to actually worship in a church that is much more 'charismatic' than I have ever been used to. Saturday evenings suit me fine, and this gives me the whole of Sunday as a "Sabbath" rest. This is an arrangement that I will maintain probably for a few months, as part of my Sabbatical journey. The loudish songs at the beginning are difficult to follow and are mostly new to me. But come the quieter ones, I find myself able to settle into worship that engages the heart.

The preaching is based on the book of Acts. I connected with the disciples in the upper room, waiting for the Spirit to be given. They spent their waiting time in prayer...in fact they had many memories to reflect on, to talk about and to assimilate - from the tragic events of Good Friday, to the wondrous surprise of the Resurrection, to the ascension of the Lord and his words to them before leaving. The upper room represents their heart's journey through loss and fear, on to courage and empowerment for mission. They waited...prayerfully....contemplating their recent experiences, in wonderment and expectation. The Lord probably had good reason for this waiting period for his disciples. They needed to prepare themselves for what was to come, they needed to learn to wait in trust, prayerfully seeking wisdom and courage. Waiting time is never 'wasted'. Much happens inwardly during such a time when outwardly nothing seems to happen.

I was reminded that "those who wait upon the Lord will renew their strength....." That is as far as this verse goes for me....I seek the promise of strengthening. I do not know as yet what it would mean to "soar on wings like eagles...to run and not grow weary, to walk and not be faint". I will wait and trust. The Lord will have to grant the rest according to his time-table