Have you ever noticed in Scripture that Jesus, even though He revolutionized the whole world with just 3 year’s worth of public ministry, never seemed liked He was in a hurry? He waited 30 years before He even revealed Himself publicly. Then, after His very public baptism and affirmation with an audible voice from heaven, He disappeared for another 40 days.

After Jesus’ incredible ascension into heaven, His disciples didn’t immediately run around telling everyone, they went to Jerusalem and waited like Jesus had told them to (finally they were listening). Then, after an extended time in which they “joined together constantly in prayer,” God moved, and just like that 3000 people got saved.

His timing, manner and method will be perfect, be it fast or slow. [We should] take things one step at a time with Jesus’ earthly ministry and the early church’s start as our pattern. They understood that prayer is the work and everything else is the result of the work.

What are you struggling to “take one step at a time” with right now?

I dug out this CD I have of him telling his story about what God has done in his little bank. He was speaking at Manna Church in Sanford, NC (Now Brickcity Community Church). I’m not sure exactly when this was.

I strongly suggest you give it a concentrated listen. It will both challenge you and inspire you.

Chuck Ripka’s Story