It Starts Small

⁶ So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, are you restoring the kingdom to Israel at this time?”

Acts 1:6

Restore? Yes. The good old days.

For many years the Jews had hoped for a better tomorrow. They had hoped for a kingdom like the days of King David. The disciples had wanted Jesus to fulfil that hope, then. At that time. They wanted to go back to the glorious old days.

God, however, has an even better tomorrow in mind. A tomorrow that the disciples could never imagine. It takes time for God to reveal that plan and even longer for them to understand.

Meanwhile, the disciples continue to live under their old assumptions. Earlier, the disciple name Peter had taken Jesus aside and rebuked (yes, rebuked) Jesus for His wrong understanding of what should or should not happen to the Messiah.

Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, “Oh no, Lord! This will never happen to you!”

Matthew 16:22

Can we have a heart to heart conversation today? Let us be honest. We are no different than Peter. When things do not go our way, we issue our complaints. “God, if you are truly God, why did you not….”

So, what is going on in our hearts?

Perhaps these “complaints” are just a way of saying, “God, I am hurting, can you help me?” It is a cry for help. Just like the disciples, God has an even better tomorrow for us, but it takes time for Him to unfold the plan, and even longer for us to understand.

That begs the question, How does God help us?

Jesus sends us the Holy Spirit.

 ⁸ But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Acts 1:8

The Holy Spirit is sent to give us “power” to achieve God’s Purpose. The Holy Spirit has another name.

²⁶ But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have told you.

John 14:26
(Bold for emphasis)

The Counselor. The Greek translation of this word is Parakletos and means one who walks alongside.

The Holy Spirit is like a coach who walks alongside each of us as we navigate through the ups and the downs in between two normals.

Jesus also gave us a friends to journey together. We call this the “spiritual community” or the “church.” Look at the early disciples.

¹⁴ They all were continually united in prayer, along with the women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.

Acts 1:14

Look! Together, constantly praying!

Friends, it is time to leave behind the old. Let the Holy Spirit renew your mind.

12 Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship. ² Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.

Romans 12:1-2

Let the Holy Spirit renew your mind and you will know what the will of God is. Position yourself purposely in a spiritual community so that other fellow believers can journey with you! DO not walk this road alone!

Thoughts to Ponder:

What are some of the old/wrong assumptions about God you need to leave behind today?

DO you have a spiritual community to journey with? If not, why?

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© Kimberlee Smith 2025 http://www.itstartssmall.com All rights reserved.