Just Follow the Directions

Scripture – Acts 1:4-5: ⁴On 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. ⁵For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

Reflection: – Most often the commands of Jesus are very simple and clear. My problem is they’re usually not complete enough for me. So I find myself over-thinking my response – making things much harder for me (and often for other, as well).

Here, for example, I’d want to know how long we’re supposed to wait. What are we supposed to do while we wait? What exactly are we waiting for? How will it look when it happens? How will we know when it happens? What will we do after it happens?

That’s the way my mind works when all Jesus has said is, ‘Wait here for a few days and you’ll be receiving a gift.’ So, if I’m not careful, I’ll get frustrated, even though I know better. That is, I know Jesus seldom gives complete directions. When I want the whole route mapped out, He’ll say, ‘Go down to the corner.’ I’ve learned that’s all I have to do. When I get to the corner, He’ll tell me which way to turn. So even though I want to know more, I’ll practice doing what He says, as simple or incomplete as it seems.

How about you? What would Jesus have you do right now? What keeps you from doing it?