Suddenly

After four days in North Carolina at a ministry retreat, I'm at home on a rainy Monday morning.  The high temperature today will be 58 degrees, a reminder that summer is over.  While we were at the beach last week the skies were clear and the temperature was in the upper 80's.  That's quite a switch in two days!

That reminds me of a "suddenly" verse in the Bible.  The first chapter of Acts tells of Jesus' promise to his disciples just before his ascension into Heaven.  He told them that the Holy Spirit would come to empower them to spread the gospel throughout the entire world.  He gave them just one instruction: wait for it.  Don't leave Jerusalem until it happens.

Of course, Peter was Mr Fix-it.  The first thing he did upon arriving back in the city was to call a business meeting.  Something's broke, and we need to fix it.  So, he called for a vote and took care of what he thought needed to be done.  But even Peter was smart enough to follow Jesus' advice - He stayed in Jerusalem.  He couldn't sit still, but at least he didn't leave. 

Often, we have some big dream of what is ahead and feel that we have to jump in with both feet immediately in order to accomplish the task.  We become impatient and want to make things happen in our timing or in our way.  Sometimes, the Lord just says, "Wait."  In our obedience, the answer comes.  Acts 2 reads, "And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.  And SUDDENLY there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting... and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost..."

We can only see for a short distance, but God sees the eternal plan.  Peter later wrote regarding Jesus' other promise - the promise to return for his church.  Some were beginning to doubt that it would ever happen, but Peter admonished them, "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."

God's promise to me isn't just about me; it's about how I fit into the big picture.  Are you waiting for God to come through for you?  Be encouraged.  It's sort of like fitting a jigsaw puzzle piece in place.  You may think you know where it goes and try to force it to fit, but the puzzle will never be complete until you turn the piece the right direction and the other pieces around it are in place.  Then SUDDENLY, you have a beautiful picture.

God give me the grace to wait on you until my suddenly moment.