Devotionals

Don't Just Stand There, Do Something

by Cheryl Weber
03/26/25
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The women who went to Jesus’s tomb two days after his death expected to anoint a lifeless body. Instead, angels told them, “He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead!” (Luke 24:6 NLT). In Mark 16:7, the angel said, “Go and tell his disciples, including Peter.” The women, frozen by amazement over this incredible development, needed a heavenly nudge to not just stand there,  but to “go and tell.”

Forty days later, the disciples watched as Jesus ascended into heaven to his place at the right hand of the Father. It must have been hard to let him go. He’d taught and loved them for three wonderful years. They’d witnessed his mighty works. Their dreams for him had resurrected along with his crucified body. But now he was leaving them.

Once again, angels spoke, asking them why they just stood there “staring into heaven.” Jesus would return someday “in the same way you saw him go.” (Acts 1:10-12 NLT) Until then, they were to go to every nation, preach the gospel, and make more disciples (Matthew 28:18-20). In this way, they would expand an eternal kingdom that would only increase (Isaiah 9:7), a kingdom created not through force but through transformed hearts (Matthew 13:3-9, 33, 2 Corinthians 5:17). 

In response, they gathered and prayed.(Acts 1:12-14) Less than ten days later, the Spirit of the living God fell upon them in the upper room and they boldly proclaimed the good news of hope and eternal life through Jesus (Acts 2), and became those who “turned the world upside-down.” (Acts 17:6 NKJV)

We were never meant to stand still. God intends us to embrace his purposes, to grow and make progress for his glory. His command is, “Don’t just stand there letting confusion, fear, or feelings of inadequacy hold you back. Do my will. You will change the world and you will never regret it.”

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for calling us to partner with you in bringing your kingdom of light into this dark world. Help us not to stand still but to move ahead into what you are calling us to. Amen.