Waiting can be a bit of a challenge; the new car, the long hoped for holiday, the new relationship, the wait for the minister to shut up. Waiting plays a big part in following Jesus Christ. For example, a christian person is someone who believes that Jesus will one day return to this world. (He has his reasons!). That certainly is the cause for a long wait! Another example involves Jesus disciples. Jesus said to them on one occasion, "Wait for the gift my father promised" and that was the Holy Spirit.

Was it easy for these early followers to wait? Easy or not I don't know but what I do know is that they had every reason to be confident while they waited. Here are some reasons for saying so:

- Jesus commanded them to wait. So what you might say? But God himself said of Jesus, "this is my beloved son, hear you him".
- Jesus said to the disciples wait for the gift my father promised. Here is great confidence in one's father. He is my father and my father won't fail. Others might but mine won't. Wait for the gift he promises.
- God has his own timetable. Ours so often clashes with his. We tend to think it should happen now, He says wait for His time.

There are two things that stand out which helped these disciples in their wait. The first was prayer and fellowship with other followers of Jesus. The second was to be expectant while they waited, ie looking forward to the promise fulfilled.

What about that car then, or the long awaited holiday, or even that minister who won't shut up. What is a car or a holiday in comparison to knowing God, being full of His joy, and knowing His promises to be true. And that minister? Pray that God won't keep you waiting too long before he, the minister, is able to enthuse you about God and His word and that you yourself become enthused.