Episode 235: Waiting for Wisdom
The Rev. Dr. Alix Pridgen
Waiting When Everything Says “Go”
In this episode, we explore a powerful and counterintuitive spiritual truth: sometimes the most faithful response is not action—but waiting.
We begin with a gripping story from the Apollo 13 mission. When disaster struck 200,000 miles from Earth, every instinct pushed NASA engineers to act quickly. But instead of rushing, they slowed down—carefully listening, checking assumptions, and working methodically. Their restraint, not their speed, is what saved lives.
From there, we pivot to Acts 1, where the disciples face their own moment of uncertainty. Jesus has just ascended, leaving them without clear instructions or a timeline. They could have rushed into action—organizing, planning, or trying to take control. But instead, they return to an upper room where they simply wait and pray together.
This waiting isn’t passive—it’s purposeful. It’s preparation, not paralysis.
The message reminds us that when anxiety rises, our instinct is to react: to fix, to move, to do something—anything. But Scripture shows a different pattern:
Before speaking, the disciples listen.
Before moving, they gather.
Before acting, they pray.
A second analogy draws from westward wagon trains crossing rivers on the frontier. Travelers often faced rushing waters and intense pressure to move forward. But experienced guides knew that crossing too soon could lead to disaster. Waiting—studying the water, exercising patience—was often the difference between life and loss.
That same wisdom applies to faith.
At its core, this message challenges a modern mindset that equates urgency with strength. Instead, it calls us to:
Resist panic-driven decisions
Practice discernment through prayer
Trust that God is still at work in silence and uncertainty
The disciples didn’t yet have clarity, a strategy, or even the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. All they had was a promise. And so they waited—not as abandoned people, but as people preparing to receive power.
The episode also reframes what it means to be a witness in the world. It’s not about winning arguments or forcing outcomes. It’s about:
Telling the truth of what we’ve experienced in Christ
Living with compassion, mercy, and love
Responding to fear and hostility with steady hope
Ultimately, the invitation is simple but challenging:
Slow down. Stay grounded. Pray. Wait long enough to discern what is truly guiding you.
Because real strength isn’t found in frantic action—it’s formed in quiet trust and faithful patience.