Preparing for the Promise!

We believe God has more for us—a fresh work of His Spirit, deeper faith, and renewed purpose. But God’s promises are often preceded by preparation. In Acts 1, we see how the early church positioned themselves to receive what God had already promised.

REVIEW: Obey.

READ: Acts 1:12 –
“Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, which is near Jerusalem.”

DISCUSS: Why do you think obedience was so difficult—and so necessary—for the disciples in this moment? What might God be asking you to obey right now, even if it feels risky or uncomfortable?

REVIEW: Pray.

READ: Acts 1:14 –
“They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.”

DISCUSS: How does prayer prepare our hearts to receive what God has promised? 

REVIEW: Trust.

READ: Romans 8:28 – “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

DISCUSS: Where do you need to trust God to redeem your story instead of defining yourself by past mistakes?

ASK

Which of these—obedience, prayer, or trust—do you most need to grow in as you prepare for what God wants to do next?

PRAY

God, we believe You are faithful and that You keep Your promises. Help us trust You enough to obey, to slow down and pray, and to place our past, present, and future fully in Your hands. Prepare our hearts for all You want to do in us and through us, and give us courage to respond with faith. Amen.

INVITATION TO RESPOND

This week, intentionally prepare yourself for what God wants to do:

• Practice obedience: Identify one clear step God has already shown you—an apology, a boundary, a habit to start or stop—and take that step without delay.
• Create space for prayer: Choose a specific daily moment (morning, lunch, or evening) to quiet your heart before God, even if it’s just a few minutes.
• Trust God with your past: Write down one failure, regret, or unresolved moment and pray, “God, I trust You to redeem this.” Release it to Him.
• Live expectantly: As you move into this next season, remind yourself daily: God is not finished with me.

As we step into a new year, let’s be a people who obey quickly, pray consistently, and trust deeply—ready to receive everything God has promised.