“And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.” -LUKE 24:49 (KJV)
Jesus instructed His disciples not to rush into ministry, however urgent the mission felt, until they were first endued with power from on high. Natural zeal and good intentions are insufficient substitutes for supernatural enduement. This month, pray earnestly for this same power, not human effort dressed in spiritual language, but genuine enduement that equips you for the assignment ahead.
It would have been reasonable for the disciples, freshly commissioned by the risen Christ, to immediately rush out preaching. Instead, Jesus commanded them to tarry, to wait deliberately, until they were endued with power from on high. This teaches an important principle: effective ministry and Christian living flow not from human enthusiasm alone, but from supernatural enduement received through waiting upon God.
This month, examine whether you have been operating largely in your own strength, pushing through challenges, striving in ministry, managing your household through sheer willpower, while neglecting this vital enduement of power. Pray earnestly, as the disciples eventually did in the upper room, for the Holy Spirit to clothe you afresh with power for whatever assignment lies ahead: raising your children in godliness, excelling at your workplace, serving effectively in ministry, or overcoming a besetting weakness.
This enduement is not a one-time event to be remembered nostalgically; it is available continually to those who tarry, wait, and ask. Do not despise seasons of waiting upon God this month, even amid urgent demands and busy schedules. Set aside deliberate time to seek this power, understanding that what flows from an empowered life will always accomplish more than what flows from mere natural effort, however sincere that effort may be.