What Are You Waiting For?

 And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.’

— Acts 22:16

Gracious Lord Jesus, my friend and my King,

When Ananias met Paul, he prayed for him to receive his sight and then declared what Paul was called to do. Ananias said, "The God of our ancestors has chosen you to know his will and to see the Righteous One and to hear words from his mouth. You will be his witness to all people of what you have seen and heard." (v 14). And then Ananias said, "And now what are you waiting for?" 

Once we know our calling and have that clarity, there is always an immediate next step. For Paul, it was to get up, be baptized and wash his sins away by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus. There was no waiting around. He knew what he needed to do. For me, I have greater clarity today than ever before, yet at times I still allow myself to languish and wait around, as if there's going to be more clarity if I sit and wait. But if I know the next step, I don't need to wait for more clarity. I get up and do that thing. I may not know where that step will lead or where I am ultimately headed, but I know the next step. Ananias' words to Paul are an admonition to me: "And now what are you waiting for? Get up..."

Gracious Lord Jesus, today I choose to get up and take the next step in my calling toward my goal. While I desire more clarity, I have what I need to get up. I know the next step. I know that time is short and I don't have the luxury of waiting around. You have called me by name. You have given me purpose, a goal, and the next step to take. I rely on Your courage and strength to get up!

— In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen!

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