Morning Devotional 020326 In God's Time

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

February 3, 2026

Acts of the Apostles 1:1-5

1 Theophilus, the first scroll I wrote concerned everything Jesus did and taught from the beginning, 2 right up to the day when he was taken up into heaven. Before he was taken up, working in the power of the Holy Spirit, Jesus instructed the apostles he had chosen. 3 After his suffering, he showed them that he was alive with many convincing proofs. He appeared to them over a period of forty days, speaking to them about God’s kingdom. 4 While they were eating together, he ordered them not to leave Jerusalem but to wait for what the Father had promised. He said, “This is what you heard from me: 5 John baptized with water, but in only a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

Good Morning! All things are beautiful in God’s time!

wait for what the Father had promised

Wait is one of those four-letter words we don’t want to hear. No matter how many times we hear, “Good things come to those who wait,” we struggle. “Be patient! Wait!” 

I recall the character, Verolga, in Willy Wonka, who shouts, “I want it now!” Sometimes it takes all the self-control we can muster not to join in her shouting. Due to technological advances, we can access many things in seconds. We can cook a meal that previously took hours in a microwave in a few minutes. We Google our question and have an answer instantaneously. As wonderful as these advancements are, it makes waiting and being patient even harder. 

For those of us who are a little older and wiser, we remember the value of working for something; our younger generations have no understanding that some things take time. For example, learning to play the piano requires time, practice, and repetition. Many want to play, but few are committed enough to invest the time required. 

I recall an adult student who was very dedicated for a few months, but when things were taking longer than he had imagined, he asked, “When will I be able to play like you?” After realizing the time it took to become proficient, his commitment waned, and he eventually gave up. 

Waiting and being patient are challenging for all who want to reap the benefits of their work. God has promised great things to those who remain faithful to their Lord and Savior. 

Redeeming Lord, you bless us abundantly! When we become frustrated, help us recommit ourselves to following Christ. Thank you. We love you. In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.

Thought for the day: The Lord’s timetable is different than ours.

In God’s time, all things will become beautiful! Pastor Liz