The Wait and The Suddenly
Learn how to excel in the different seasons that God has you in and appreciate them for what God is doing in and through your life!
ACTS 1:4-5
4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”
ACTS 2:1-4
1 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.”
EXAMPLES OF PEOPLE WHO WAITED FOR GOD’S SUDDENLY
- Abraham waited 10 years for God to suddenly give him a son.
- Joseph waited 22 years for God to suddenly bring his family to him in gratitude.
- Moses waited 40 years for God to suddenly appear in the burning bushing.
- David waited 15 years for God to suddenly make him the king of Israel.
- The nation of Israel waited 400 years for God to suddenly send His Son.
LESSONS IN THE WAITING
(1) REMEMBER GOD IS STILL WITH YOU: Deuteronomy 31:6, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
(2) KEEP MOVING: Isaiah 40:30-31 (KJV), “30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: 31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”
(3) CELEBRATE OTHER’S VICTORIES: Romans 12:15, “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.”
(4) TRUST THAT EVERYTHING IS WORKING FOR YOUR GOOD: Romans 8:28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
LESSONS IN THE SUDDENLY
(1) STAY HUMBLE: 1 Peter 5:5, “…All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”
(2) REMAIN IN CHRIST: John 15:1-4, “1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.”
(3) HELP OTHERS IN THEIR WAITING: Galatians 6:2, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
(4) ALWAYS GIVE GOD THE GLORY: Psalms 9:1-2, “1 I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. 2 I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High.”
What things in your life are you waiting for God to suddenly move in?