Sermons

In Times of Waiting

Acts: Church on the Move
Acts 1:12-26
August 31, 2025

Introduction
Many of you know that I worked for General Motors for twelve years. I was so grateful for a job that provided stability, insurance, and the ability to own a home. But I didn’t enjoy the work and couldn’t wait for each shift to end. In 2003 I began to feel that God was calling me into full-time vocational ministry. I couldn’t wait. I knew very little but would still look at listings for ministry positions.

It wasn’t until the fall of 2009 that I finally accepted my first ministry job—over six years of waiting and preparing. Six years that I would have cut short if I could have…

Main Idea
Times when God asks us to wait are for our good. Be satisfied waiting because God’s plans are better than ours.

I. In Times of Waiting Commit Yourself to Prayer

Acts 1:12-14
Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey away. And when they had entered, they went up to the upper room, where they were staying… All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.

• The apostles obediently took the step they were given: to go to Jerusalem and wait.

• They returned to the upper room where the Last Supper had taken place—a place full of reflection.

• They waited together in unity.

• Unity is essential in times of waiting. The enemy loves to divide people. (1 Corinthians 1:10)

• Being united honors God. (Romans 15:5-7)

• They devoted themselves to prayer as they waited for God’s next step.

II. In Times of Waiting Commit Yourself to Knowing and Applying God’s Word

Acts 1:15-20
In those days Peter stood up among the brothers (the company of persons was in all about 120) and said, “Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled…”

• These were the days between Jesus’ ascension and the coming of the Spirit.

• Peter emerged as a leader among the apostles.

• He searched the Scriptures to determine what needed to be done next.

• 2 Timothy 3:16-17 reminds us that God speaks to us and prepares us through His Word.

• Peter recognized prophecy fulfilled in Psalms about Judas’ betrayal.

• God’s Word always accomplishes its purpose. (Isaiah 55:10-11)

• The next step—finding Judas’ replacement—was made clear through Scripture.

III. In Times of Waiting Rely on God to Direct Your Path

Acts 1:21-26
So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us… one of these men must become with us a witness to his resurrection.

• An apostle needed to be with Jesus from His baptism through His resurrection and ascension.

• Peter and the apostles were united, prayerful, and guided by Scripture.

• Without the indwelling Spirit yet, they cast lots—trusting God to direct their choice. (Proverbs 16:33; Joshua 18:8-10; Jonah 1:7)

• They faithfully did what they could while waiting for the Spirit to come.

Conclusion
Are you in a season of waiting? Even if you aren’t now, you may be soon. Are you growing frustrated? Follow the example of the apostles: stay united, pray, study the Word, and trust God to direct your steps.

Speaker: Dan Krause

August 31, 2025

Acts 1:12-26

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