“And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on His name.” Acts 22:16

I read this verse in a devotional book recently and appreciated the simple, get to the heart words spoken. Maybe you are a bit like me and have spent too much time waiting around instead of diving in. Our reasons might be different, but we wait nonetheless. Sometimes the Lord has us to wait, but there is usually something while we wait. Have you asked Him what that might be?

Perhaps you are waiting to be invited in and stand on the sidelines watching. Have you turned to those beside you and spoken a kind word of encouragement? Helps get your eyes off of yourself and onto those right in front of you. Trust me, I stayed self absorbed way too long. Do those beside you have a need you could meet? Get creative and help meet that need, let them know you see them. Just whatever you do, please do not be critical. You never know if those fellow side liners are just resting a minute, worn out from battles you have no idea about.

There is another idea to consider. What if you are waiting because of past sin that you think disqualified you? Have you confessed your sin to the Lord? Have you repented and turned? Do you need to ask another to forgive you? Have you done that yet? What are you waiting for? We are not always right. Imagine the weight that would lift from your shoulders if you confessed. Then maybe you would be able to get up, washed, free and truly able to love. And this I can say for certain, “her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.” (Luke 7:47). If you need help, look for those who love well.