This week we’re discussing The Pentecost from Acts 2.

In 1970 a somewhat famous experiment using marshmallows was conducted at Stanford

University. Young children were given a single marshmallow that they were free to eat, but there

was a wrinkle. If they were willing and able to sit in the room alone with the marshmallow for a

few minutes without eating it, they would still get the marshmallow but also a second treat to go

with it. The experiment was intended to correlate the ability of children who could delay

gratification with more successful outcomes later in life. Was a child with self-control more likely

to grow into an adult who could make positive long-term decisions?

My very brief review of this experiment revealed that the researchers initially found a strong

correlation, but that subsequent studies with more controls may have largely debunked, or at

least diminished, the correlation. But I think you’ll agree with me that regardless of this specific

experiment, patience often yields benefits.

While He was together with them, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to

wait for the Father’s promise. “This,” He said, “is what you heard from Me; for John

baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from

now.” (Acts 1:4-5 HCSB)

Jesus gave clear instructions to the apostles. The Father’s promised Holy Spirt was coming,

and they needed to stay in town and wait for a few days. Why did God make them wait a few

days? I don’t know the answer, but I found a couple of practical lessons we can learn from how

the apostles handled this time of uncertainty.

First, they remained together and supported each other. They didn’t try to come up with their

own plan to seek out or summon the Holy Spirit. They trusted God’s timing. Second, they

prayed together, which deepened their unity in anticipation of the Holy Spirit’s arrival.

I am confident that as a child I would have “passed” the marshmallow test. I’m generally a

patient person but confess it’s less about my faith and more about how I’m wired to think things

through. And frankly sometimes indecision can masquerade as patience.

The next time we find ourselves growing impatient waiting for God to act or reveal our next

steps, instead of just “riding it out” let’s actively engage with the Holy Spirit who arrives just as

promised, to make sure we’re ready to go.

By Mark Stuart

Mark is the husband of Laura, father of Shelby and Jacob, and father-in-law of Bailey.