Suddenly

Recap:

In the journey of faith, many believe that God still speaks today, desiring to communicate directly with His people. This belief invites us to open our hearts, ready to receive the message He has for us. As we gather in His presence, we should pray for the ability to hear and see clearly, stepping into the flow of His Spirit as we listen and obey His call.

Imagine, for a moment, the profound truth that God often moves suddenly in our lives. Consider this word, “suddenly,” and let it resonate within your spirit. We can turn to our neighbors, affirming together: “God comes suddenly.” This is not just a word for the moment but a powerful truth that can transform how we anticipate God’s actions.

Thirteen years ago, on a seemingly ordinary day, there was a sudden shift in direction. While contemplating the idea of planting a church, a phone call triggered memories of a divine encounter from 20 years prior. God had spoken, not audibly but with a deep, inner knowing, revealing that I would one day lead what was then Full Faith Church of Love, now known as Cross Points Church. It was a word held closely, shared only with a few, and then quietly kept as I served as an associate pastor for 18 years.

As time went on, the stirrings of that calling grew stronger, leading me through seminary and countless flights between Kansas City and Boston. It wasn’t until a missions conference back home that the current lead pastor approached me, asking if I would consider taking on the role of lead pastor. It was a moment of sudden realization—a fulfillment of that long-held word from God.

Suddenly, everything shifted, yet the process was not immediate. It took a year and a half of interviews, waiting, and moments of doubt before that calling was confirmed. On a Saturday afternoon, I was told, “You start tomorrow.” All of a sudden, the transition from associate to lead pastor happened, almost without warning.

This experience echoes the truth that God often moves suddenly in our lives. However, for these moments to happen, we must be prepared. We must set the table for God’s sudden movement, living in anticipation of His power at work in us.

Think of setting a Thanksgiving table. There’s an intentionality, a preparation for the feast to come. The table is adorned with the best—the real plates, the cloth napkins, the silverware—all in anticipation of something extraordinary. In the same way, we must prepare our lives, setting the table in anticipation of a sudden move of God.

In the book of Acts, we find three instances where God moved suddenly. These moments weren’t random; they were the culmination of preparation, obedience, and anticipation.

First, in Acts 2, on the day of Pentecost, the disciples were gathered in obedience to Jesus’ command to wait in Jerusalem. They had no home there, were considered outcasts, and lived in fear. Yet, they obeyed, and suddenly, the Holy Spirit descended with a sound like a mighty wind. Their obedience prepared the way for a supernatural encounter.

Second, in Acts 16, Paul and Silas were imprisoned, beaten, and placed in the deepest, darkest part of the dungeon. Yet, instead of despairing, they prayed and sang hymns. Suddenly, a massive earthquake shook the prison, and their chains were broken. Their worship set the table for God to move powerfully.

Finally, in Acts 12, Peter was imprisoned, awaiting execution. The church earnestly prayed for him, interceding on his behalf. Suddenly, an angel appeared, striking Peter on the side to wake him up, and his chains fell off. The prayers of the church prepared the way for Peter’s miraculous escape.

These stories remind us that God’s sudden moves are often preceded by our preparation. Obedience, prayer, and worship are the ways we set the table, creating an atmosphere where God can move powerfully.

Perhaps today, there is an area in your life where you need a sudden move of God. It could be a health scare, a broken relationship, or a situation that seems hopeless. Whatever it is, God is calling you to prepare—through obedience, prayer, and worship—to set the table for His sudden intervention.

Sometimes, we confuse God’s delay with denial. We lose faith because He doesn’t move according to our timetable. But as we see in Scripture, God may not come immediately, but He will come suddenly. He is the God of suddenly, the One who parts the Red Sea, shuts the mouths of lions, and turns mourning into dancing.

So, live in anticipation. Set the table for a suddenly moment from God in your life. Prepare through obedience, prayer, and worship, trusting that God is on the move, and when He comes, it will be with power and purpose. Let this truth encourage and strengthen your faith, knowing that the God of suddenly is with you, ready to move on your behalf.

Group Questions:

Reflecting on God’s Voice:

Have you ever experienced a moment where you felt God was speaking to you, either directly or through a deep inner knowing? How did that impact your faith journey?
How do you distinguish between your own thoughts and what might be God’s voice speaking to you?

Understanding “Suddenly”:

The sermon emphasizes the word “suddenly” as a powerful moment when God moves. Can you recall a time in your life when God moved suddenly? How did you respond?
Why do you think God often moves suddenly, rather than gradually? What might He be teaching us through these sudden moments?

Preparation for God’s Move:

The sermon talks about “setting the table” for God’s sudden move through obedience, prayer, and worship. In what ways can you prepare yourself for a sudden move of God in your life?
How can we maintain a heart of anticipation and readiness for God’s actions, even when we face delays or uncertainties?

Biblical Examples:

Reflect on the three instances from Acts (Acts 2, Acts 16, Acts 12) mentioned in the sermon. What common thread do you see in how the disciples prepared for these sudden moves of God?
What can we learn from the disciples’ obedience, worship, and prayer in those situations, and how can we apply those lessons to our own lives?

Personal Application:

Is there an area in your life where you are waiting for a sudden move of God? What steps can you take today to prepare for that moment?
How can our small group support each other in setting the table for God’s sudden moves in our lives? What specific prayers or actions can we commit to together?

Trusting in God’s Timing:

The sermon mentioned that God’s delay is not denial. How have you dealt with delays in your spiritual life? How can you keep faith alive during these waiting periods?
What does it mean to you that God may not come immediately, but He will come suddenly? How does this truth shape your perspective on your current challenges?