Getting Ready

“When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven … it filled the whole house where they were sitting.”—Acts 2:1–2 NKJV

The disciples probably thought that they understood the things of God. After all, they had spent three years with Jesus. But there was so much they did not know, including the nature of the work of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus had told them that they would be “baptized with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 1:5). The Spirit would come upon them and give them new power. But what did this really mean?

Suddenly, the Spirit moved among them with “a sound from heaven,” filling the “whole house.” As they were to discover, He changed everything.

This same Spirit is still at work. The Bible assures us that He is available to help us overcome problems, bring victory, and change us just like He changed those disciples in the upper room. But we must remember that the Spirit is “from heaven.” He is sovereign and moves on His own timetable.

The example of the disciples shows us how we can be prepared for His presence. In the Upper Room, He came when they were united, waiting, listening, and focused on God.

The Bible assures us that the Spirit can do a new work in your life too. Aim to be ready. Cry out to God, and seek Him with your whole heart. Submit your life to Him. Worship Him. Wait on Him. Then be ready for the power of the Spirit to fall on you!

Reflection Question: How has the presence of the Holy Spirit influenced your spiritual journey?