November 3, 2026

Sit First. Then Stand.

We often want the sending without the sitting. We want authority without intimacy, and fruit without the vine. When my husband and I were raising our seven children, we had five teenagers and two little ones under one roof, and our house was never quiet. During the day, finding time to sit with Jesus felt nearly impossible. So He met me in the night. When the house finally grew still, those quiet hours became my place with Him. That’s where I learned to hear His voice and receive His direction. Notice the order in Mark 3. Jesus didn’t give the disciples a title and power at the door. His first purpose was “that they might be with him.” Sending came next, and authority after that. Later, the religious leaders were astonished at the boldness of Peter and John. They didn’t credit their training. Instead, “they took note that these men had been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13).

The authority we walk in isn’t something we manufacture. It flows from time in His presence. There He examines our motives, settles our emotions, and shows us when to speak and when to stay silent. This week, find your quiet place, whatever season you’re in. Before checking email or Teams, take five minutes with Him. Bring no agenda and simply say, “Lord, I’m here.” Before a hard conversation, pause and pray, “Jesus, I’ve been with You. Go with me now.”

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for meeting us in every season, even in the quiet of the night. Forgive us for running ahead of You. Teach us to sit with You first, so we can stand in Your truth and walk in Your authority. May everyone we meet see that we have been with You. Amen.