They waited 10 days, with no end in sight for receiving what Jesus had promised. On that 10th day some very specific physical things happened - A load sound like a rushing wind and tongues of fire on their heads. The reaction of the disciples was not given, but suddenly they could speak in languages they did not learn and they declared the praises of God in those languages. Then followed the gathering crowds, the mocking of some, Peter's sermon and the huge response who became followers of Jesus Christ. Wow!
But I wonder - were the disciples surprised by this? I honestly don't think they were. After all, they had been around Jesus for 3 years and saw some amazing things. They had been sent out to share the gospel and could heal and drive out demons. This was, well, just more of the same, except that Jesus wasn't present with them. Or was he.
The ministry of the Holy Spirit is really just a continuation of Jesus ministry, with the exception that we do it in the power of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit living in us! So why are we surprised when God does something powerful? Why are we surprised when prayer is answered? Why are we surprised when an critic of Christianity gives his life to Christ? Why are we surprised at healing or God's unexpected provision in miraculous ways? Why are surprised when God leads us? Why are we surprised at God's voice speaking to us? Why are we surprised when God works in us to do something we thought we could not do?
We should never be surprised by what God does. Thankful, YES! But surprised, never.
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