"When they had entered the city, they went to the room upstairs where they were staying, Peter, and John, and James, and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. All these were constantly devoting themselves to prayer, together with certain women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, as well as his brothers." Acts 1:13-14

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Before the Church was launched, a group of ordinary people gathered together in an upper room. They weren't perfect, impressive, or fully formed, but they made room for God. Through community, discipleship, and the power of the Holy Spirit, God used them to change the world. The same invitation is before us today: make room for Him and let Him work among us, within us, and through us.

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1. Gathered & Available

The disciples didn't scatter after Jesus ascended. They stayed together, prayed together, and kept showing up while they waited for God's promise. Their availability positioned them to receive what God wanted to do next. Following Jesus is personal, but it was never meant to be private.

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2. Discipled & Formed

The people in the upper room were far from perfect. Peter had denied Jesus, Thomas doubted, and the disciples often got things wrong. Yet Jesus continued to form them. Discipleship is not simply learning about Jesus but becoming like Him. Transformation happens when we allow God to work in us through relationship, vulnerability, and community.

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3. Empowered & Sent

The upper room was never the destination. The disciples were waiting for the Holy Spirit, who would empower them to become witnesses. God gathers us so He can form us, but He sends us into our city, workplaces, neighborhoods, and relationships to reflect Jesus. We don't need all the answers, only a story of God's faithfulness in our lives.

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Discussion Questions

1. What stood out to you most from this message?
2. Where is God asking you to stay faithful and keep showing up, even if you're still waiting on His promise?
3. What area of your life is God currently forming, and how can community help in that process?
4. Amy ended with the question, "Who are you making room for?" What is one practical way you can make more room for God this week?

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