Embracing Active Waiting: The Power of the Holy Spirit
Summary
Life rarely unfolds as we expect. Like John Stephen Akwari, the Tanzanian marathoner who fell and injured himself during his Olympic race, we all encounter moments when our plans are upended and we find ourselves wounded, disoriented, and tempted to give up. The disciples, too, faced such moments after Jesus’ resurrection. Despite witnessing the risen Christ, they returned to old routines, seeking normalcy in the midst of confusion and disappointment. Yet, Jesus’ response was not to chastise them, but to gather them, teach them, and—most surprisingly—command them to wait.
Waiting is not passive resignation, but an active, expectant posture. Throughout Scripture, waiting on God is a recurring theme: Isaiah, David, and the prophets all speak of the strength and renewal that comes from waiting on the Lord. For the disciples, this waiting was not an end in itself, but a preparation for the coming of the Holy Spirit. Jesus promised that they would be baptized—not just with water, but with the very essence of God, the Holy Spirit, who would empower them for the work ahead.
The Holy Spirit is not a distant or abstract force, but the breath of God, the advocate, the helper who dwells within believers. The Spirit brings the personal attributes of God—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—into our lives. This is not merely about being saved from something, but being saved for something: to experience the fullness of God’s presence and to be witnesses to the resurrection power of Christ.
The power the Spirit gives is not the kind of power the world seeks. It is not about control, dominance, or even the fulfillment of our own plans. Rather, it is the power to be witnesses—to embody and proclaim the reality of the risen Christ in our words, actions, and very presence. Even when we fall, when we are bruised and weary, the Spirit lifts us up, encourages us, and enables us to keep running the race set before us. God did not send us the Spirit just to start the race, but to finish it. In our waiting, let us anticipate what God will do, trusting that the same power that raised Christ from the dead is at work in us.
Key Takeaways
- Waiting on God is Active, Not Passive
Scripture repeatedly calls us to wait on the Lord, but this waiting is not idle. It is a posture of anticipation, readiness, and trust that God is preparing us for what comes next. In the waiting, we are shaped, strengthened, and made ready for the movement of God’s Spirit in our lives. [01:02:30]
- The Holy Spirit is the Essence and Breath of God
The Spirit is not a vague force, but the very breath and presence of God dwelling within us. This indwelling brings the attributes of God—love, joy, peace, and more—into our daily lives, transforming us from the inside out. The Spirit is both gentle as a whisper and powerful as a mighty wind, able to move in any circumstance. [01:06:56]
- God’s Power is for Witness, Not Control
The disciples longed for political restoration, but Jesus redirected their focus to the true purpose of the Spirit’s power: to be witnesses to the resurrection. The Spirit empowers us not to dominate or control, but to testify—through our stories, our faith, and our transformed lives—to the reality of Christ. [01:10:20]
- The Spirit Lifts Us When We Fall
Like the marathoner who finished his race despite injury, we are not promised a life without setbacks. The Spirit is given not just to start us on the journey, but to help us finish. When we are wounded, weary, or tempted to quit, the Spirit raises us up, encourages us, and enables us to keep moving forward in faith. [01:15:54]
- Anticipate God’s Movement in the Waiting
If you do not feel the Spirit’s presence, it does not mean you are abandoned. Sometimes, we are simply in a season of waiting, sitting on the pavement, so to speak. In those times, shift your focus from self-pity to anticipation, trusting that God is preparing to move and that the same power that raised Christ is available to you. [01:17:12]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - The Story of John Stephen Akwari
[02:00] - The Disciples’ Disorientation After Resurrection
[04:00] - When Life Doesn’t Go as Planned
[06:00] - The Call to Wait: Acts 1
[08:00] - Waiting in Scripture: Isaiah, David, Lamentations
[10:00] - Anticipatory Waiting vs. Passive Waiting
[12:00] - The Holy Spirit: Ruach and Pneuma
[14:00] - The Spirit’s Role in Jesus’ Ministry
[16:00] - The Promise of Baptism in the Holy Spirit
[18:00] - The Spirit’s Power and Attributes
[20:00] - The Disciples’ Misunderstanding of Power
[22:00] - The True Power of the Spirit: Witness
[24:00] - The Marathoner’s Finish: Finishing the Race
[26:00] - Encouragement to Wait and Anticipate
[28:00] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: “Waiting, the Spirit, and Finishing the Race”
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### Bible Reading
- Acts 1:1-8
- Isaiah 40:31
- Galatians 5:22-23
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### Observation Questions
1. In Acts 1:4, what specific instruction does Jesus give his disciples before his ascension?
2. According to Acts 1:8, what is the purpose of the power the disciples will receive from the Holy Spirit?
3. In Isaiah 40:31, what is promised to those who wait on the Lord?
4. What are the “fruits of the Spirit” listed in Galatians 5:22-23, and how are they described in the sermon? [01:09:27]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. The disciples had seen the risen Jesus, yet they returned to fishing and old routines. What does this suggest about how people respond to confusion or disappointment, even after spiritual highs? [56:00]
2. The sermon says, “Waiting is not passive resignation, but an active, expectant posture.” What does it look like to wait actively for God, rather than just sitting back and doing nothing? [01:02:30]
3. The power of the Holy Spirit is described as being for “witness, not control.” How does this challenge common ideas about what it means to have spiritual power? [01:10:20]
4. The story of John Stephen Akwari is used as a picture of perseverance. How does the Holy Spirit help believers “get up and keep running” after setbacks? [01:15:54]
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### Application Questions
1. Think about a time when life didn’t go as you planned and you felt like giving up. How did you respond? Looking back, was there a way you could have waited on God more actively in that season? [57:31]
2. The sermon says that waiting on God is not just “meandering on the couch,” but a time of anticipation and readiness. What is one practical thing you can do this week to wait on God with expectation, rather than just being passive? [01:02:30]
3. The Holy Spirit brings the attributes of God—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—into our lives. Choose one of these attributes that you struggle with. What is one specific step you can take this week to let the Spirit grow that in you? [01:09:27]
4. The disciples wanted Jesus to restore political power to Israel, but Jesus redirected them to be witnesses. Are there areas in your life where you are seeking control or your own plans, instead of being a witness to Christ? What would it look like to shift your focus? [01:10:20]
5. The sermon says, “God did not send us the Spirit just to start the race, but to finish it.” Is there an area in your faith where you feel like you’ve stalled or are tempted to quit? What encouragement from the sermon or Scripture can help you keep going? [01:15:54]
6. If you feel like you’re “sitting on the pavement” and not sensing the Spirit’s presence, what would it look like to shift from self-pity to anticipation? Is there a prayer or practice you can try this week to help you do that? [01:17:12]
7. Who in your life needs to see the reality of the risen Christ through your words, actions, or presence? What is one way you can be a witness to them this week, even if you feel weak or weary? [01:12:01]
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Devotional
Day 1: Waiting on God Prepares Us for His Movement
Waiting is not passive but an active, expectant posture that prepares us for what God is about to do. When God calls us to wait, it is not a sign of inaction or neglect, but rather an invitation to trust that He is working behind the scenes, orchestrating events for our good and His glory. Just as the disciples were told to wait in Jerusalem for the promised Holy Spirit, we too are sometimes called to pause, to be still, and to anticipate the next step God has for us. This kind of waiting is filled with hope and readiness, not resignation. In those seasons, let your heart be open to what God is preparing to do in and through you. [01:02:30]
Acts 1:4-5
"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. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.'"
Reflection: Where in your life do you sense God asking you to wait, and how can you shift from frustration to anticipation in that waiting?
Day 2: The Holy Spirit Empowers Us Beyond Our Weakness
The Holy Spirit is not just a distant force but the very breath and essence of God, empowering us to live, witness, and love beyond our own limitations. Jesus promised that the Spirit would come to guide, convict, and strengthen us, making us capable of things we could never do on our own. The Spirit’s power is not about worldly strength or eloquence, but about God’s presence working through our stories, our faith, and even our weaknesses. When we feel inadequate or unsure, the Spirit intercedes, equips, and fills us with the fruits of love, joy, peace, and self-control. Trust that God’s Spirit is at work in you, even when you feel weak. [01:09:27]
Romans 8:26
"In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans."
Reflection: What is one area of weakness or inadequacy where you need to invite the Holy Spirit’s power today?
Day 3: Resurrection Changes How We Live Every Day
The reality of Christ’s resurrection is not just a historical event but a present power that should transform our daily lives, attitudes, and relationships. Knowing that Jesus rose from the dead is meant to move us to live differently—shaping our reactions, our work, our love for others, and even our struggles with anger or anxiety. The question is not just what Easter Sunday means, but how it changes our Monday and every day after. Let the truth of the resurrection infuse your ordinary moments with hope, courage, and a renewed sense of purpose. [58:08]
Philippians 3:10-11
"I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead."
Reflection: In what specific way can you let the reality of Jesus’ resurrection shape your attitude or actions today?
Day 4: The Spirit Calls Us to Be Witnesses, Not Spectators
The power of the Holy Spirit is given so that we can be witnesses to the resurrected Christ, sharing our stories and faith with others, regardless of our abilities or status. God does not require us to be eloquent or perfect; He simply asks us to be present, to share what we have seen and experienced, and to trust that His Spirit will work through us. Our calling is not to sit on the sidelines but to participate in God’s mission, knowing that the Spirit will give us the words, courage, and opportunities we need. [01:12:01]
Acts 1:8
"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."
Reflection: Who is one person you can share your story of faith with this week, trusting the Spirit to guide your words?
Day 5: God’s Spirit Helps Us Finish the Race
God did not send us His Spirit just to start the journey of faith, but to help us persevere and finish well, even when we stumble or feel weary. Like the runner who finished his race despite injury, we are called to keep moving forward, trusting that the Spirit will lift us up, encourage us, and give us the strength to continue. We are not alone in our struggles; the Spirit is our helper and advocate, empowering us to endure and to hope. In moments of discouragement or fatigue, remember that God’s power is available to you, the same power that raised Christ from the dead. [01:17:12]
Ephesians 1:18-20
"I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms."
Reflection: When you feel like giving up, how can you rely on the Spirit’s strength to help you take the next step?
Quotes
``Did any of it look different? Did your life look different? Did your thoughts, your reactions, your work ethic, your love and concern for others, your anger and anxiety, did any of that look different on Monday because of Easter Sunday? I mean, does knowing that Christ came back from the dead move you to live differently? Or are you still angry? Are you still worried that society is going downhill? Are you still worried that those people are still saying those things? [00:58:08] (43 seconds)
Are you still irritated that some people just still don't get it about whatever the issue is you think you really do get? I'm so glad. Has knowing Jesus rose from the dead changed any of that for you? And I'm asking myself these same questions. But before you start getting too self -conscious and guilty, remember, the disciples were kind of in good company here. I mean, they were eyewitnesses to this whole resurrection event, and they still fell and struggled to get back up. [00:58:51] (40 seconds)
Okay, they're ready to get this race going, which is why I've always thought it's odd that one of the very first commands Jesus gave his followers was to wait. It's a little irritating. Waiting is a powerful and a recurring theme in Scripture. I'll go through a couple. Isaiah says that those who wait in the Lord will renew their strength. David encourages us in 2714 and 377, he says be strong and courageous, and then he says be still in front of the Lord, wait patiently for Him. Lamentations 3 says the Lord is good to those who wait for Him. [01:01:51] (46 seconds)
What I'm thinking is true is that to follow God is to be willing to wait for Him. Waiting is its prerequisite to following God. But this is, I think, is interesting. When God tells us to wait, it means that movement is coming. Something is coming. Now, we know in Luke and Acts that they were the same story in two parts, same author. But waiting on the Holy Spirit is mentioned both in the Acts 1 passage that we just read, but it's also at the end of Luke. And this is what it says in Luke 24, 49. I'm going to send you what my Father has promised, but stay in the city until you've been clothed with power on high. [01:03:30] (46 seconds)
He wanted this to occur badly. He wanted this to occur more than he wanted to stay in his physical form with his friends. Remember, but in fact, John 16, 7, it is best for you that I go away. Because if I don't, the advocate won't come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you. Now, what is the Spirit going to do? The Spirit would be the one who is going to guide us into all truth. The Spirit would convict the world about sin. Let them know about righteousness. Let them know about judgment. The Spirit would let us know what the Father is thinking. The Spirit would let us know what God wants and where God wants us to go. [01:06:17] (39 seconds)
And because the Spirit is the breath of God, remember God spoke the world into existence. You remember this from last week? If you want to know what the Spirit of God is, you can feel it just by, you know, speaking in front of your hand. There's breath from God. You know, the Spirit is the breath of God. So if it is, then it can go anywhere. Whether as light as a whisper or as powerful and violent as a mighty wind, there are no limitations to what the Spirit can do. And Jesus was promising his followers that they were about to be baptized by this Holy Spirit. And baptized, remember, is immersed, completely engulfed over your head. Right? It is completely covered and consumed by the essence of God. [01:06:56] (50 seconds)
and self -control. Man, couldn't we all use a little self -control in today's culture? This is what the essence of God will do for you. It gives you those attributes. That's what the Spirit wants to do. Jesus wants us to experience these things. He's not just saving us from hell. He wants to experience the essence of God. Salvation is not just grab my ticket, okay, good, I'm safe, I can relax, and I can just sit and wait. Ah, no. This is about life, and this is about experiencing the essence of God down to your bones. [01:09:27] (41 seconds)
Now, the Spirit of God gives us power. But it's not the kind of power you think it might be. I think it could do what you think it could do. But I think the power of the Holy Spirit that he's about to bathe us in is to be a witness for the resurrected Christ. We don't even have to be well -spoken or an extrovert. Amen? See, they don't say amen, by the way. I was going to see if that worked. We don't have to be this well -spoken person or this person who's so intelligent or crafting or calculated. We don't have to be any of that. The Spirit's power is made perfect in our weakness. The power is in the presence of our life. It's in our full presence. [01:11:30] (54 seconds)
Instead, what He's going to do is He's going to continue to raise us up, to pick us up, and encourage us to keep going, to keep being, to keep sharing our story, to keep loving, to keep being kind. He's going to raise us up because He knows that when we are witnesses, the world will change. [01:13:43] (31 seconds)
God did not tell his people to wait on this gift of the Holy Spirit just so that we could start a race. He sent us the Holy Spirit to help us finish it. He knows we're going to fall, too. He knows what we're facing because Jesus faced it. But he's promising that no matter how many times we fall, his Spirit is going to get up and help us up and help us move. Because when it comes to the followers of Jesus Christ, we have a race to finish. [01:15:37] (38 seconds)
I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope He has given to those He has called. His holy people who are His rich and glorious inheritance. And I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God's power for us who believe Him. Because this is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead. [01:17:21] (26 seconds)
