WAITING BEFORE MANIFESTING 3
MAY 26, 2026
TEXT: “And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.” (Acts 1:4)
Today, in continuation of this same topic, we shall examine some biblical characters who indeed had a spell of waiting before they got certain promises from God (either ministry, finances, spouse, children, etc.).
BIBLICAL CHARACTERS WHO HAD WAITING SPELLS
- The Apostles in the early church: From our given text, Jesus Christ, before His ascension, told His disciples to abide in Jerusalem until the day of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit would come upon them. Ordinarily, the disciples could probably have had plans to launch out on the mission if not for Jesus’ strict instruction, which, of course, ultimately paid off. Even after that, they still waited for some days (about 120 of them) before Pentecost finally came at God’s appointed time.
- Hannah: This woman was tormented both physically and emotionally. She must have gone through a lot in the hands of her rival wife. Little did she know that God was reserving the best fruit for later. After a galaxy of children had been given birth to by Peninnah, Hannah eventually gave birth to Samuel, the best and greatest of all the children in Elkanah’s lineage. She waited for God’s manifestation in her life.
- Paul: Paul was an antagonist of the church as a core Pharisee. He eventually gave his life to Christ after his conversion experience on the road to Damascus. However, he did not suddenly launch out despite the clarity of the fact that he was a chosen vessel unto Christ. He waited and learned different things from the existing followers such as Peter, Barnabas, etc.
- Abraham: Abraham waited on God’s promise of a covenant child. He did not allow the delayed promise to weigh him down or weary him out. Even though he tried to help God along the line, we cannot deny the steadfastness that characterized his long period of waiting. His manifestation became global, and we can still refer to his life today because he waited and also paid the ultimate price.
- David: David was anointed as king by Samuel when he was still young. He did not manifest immediately. He waited for some years before he was able to move to the palace, after God had dealt with Saul and his household. He waited and continued acquiring more spiritual and military insight to help him govern appropriately. By the time he officially ascended the throne (first at Hebron and then at Jerusalem), he was already fully equipped.
- Joshua: Joshua was a dedicated minister under Moses. He probably had what it took to usurp Moses’ leadership. However, he spent his “waiting time” well and when Moses eventually died, God needed not to look any further. Joshua was chosen, having acquired the requisite skills by closely and loyally following Moses across several years.
SEARCHLIGHT: Forced manifestation without prior preparation will lead to ultimate frustration.
PRAYER: O LORD, may I not run faster than You, in Jesus’ mighty name.
BIBLE READING: Ezra 8-10, Hebrews 8
PASTOR MICHAEL OMOLE
