When I turned on my computer the other day, the screen displayed a message that the system was performing an upgrade, and it would take “several minutes” to complete. If you’ve ever had a system upgrade before, you know it could mean it will be a long time before you’re able to use your computer.
Time crept along, and I became frustrated watching the progress bar slowly go from 10%…to 15%…to 18%…to 30%. But suddenly, it jumped to 100%! What started out taking a lot longer than “several minutes” had quickly accelerated to completion.
At that moment I was reminded that God moves suddenly too. The situations that seem to be moving slowly in our lives now can be changed in an instant. Within moments, things can change and turn around for the better. God doesn’t move the same way every time. Sometimes there is a delay before the answer comes. And sometimes, God will move immediately.
In Acts chapter 16, we see that Paul and Silas were beaten, imprisoned, and bound in shackles. Verses 25 – 26 says that at midnight, they were praying and singing hymns to God. Then suddenly there was a great earthquake and the foundations of the prison were shaken, and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed. Their deliverance came suddenly as they prayed and worshipped God.
If you are in a situation right now where you need God to move quickly, and you’re feeling discouraged because the thing you’re believing Him for hasn’t happened yet, please don’t give up. Keep praying and worshipping Him. Trust and believe God will move mightily on your behalf, and He can do it suddenly.
Heavenly Father, even though things may appear to be moving slowly or not at all, we thank You that You are the Creator of and exist outside of time, and You know the perfect moment to bring the answer to us. Give us Your peace as we wait patiently on You to move in our lives, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
