023. Please tell something about waiting on God for power for service.

Please tell something about waiting on God for power for service. Our Lord Jesus distinctly teaches in Acts 1:8 that there is a definite enduement of power from the Holy Spirit for those who seek it. The experience of thousands of ministers and other believers proves the same. This power is received on the following conditions:

First, that we rest absolutely on the finished work of Christ as the only ground of our acceptance before God. Second, that we put out of our lives every known sin. Third, that we surrender absolutely to God for Him to use us as He will. Fourth, that we openly confess our acceptance of Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord before the world. Fifth, that we really desire this anointing. Sixth, that we definitely ask for it. Seventh, that we take by faith what we ask for (Mark 11:24; 1 John 5:14-15).

There need be no long time of waiting. God is ready to give the Holy Spirit at once (Luke 11:13). Of course, waiting on God is something that every believer should practice, and doubtless God gives His Spirit when persons individually or together spend a long time in prayer before Him, thus recognizing and acknowledging their dependence upon Him, but the teaching that a man may have to wait a month or six months for “his Pentecost” is wholly without warrant in the Bible.