Embracing Divine Suddenlies: Expecting God's Transformative Moments

Devotional

Day 1: God’s “Suddenly” Moments Transform Lives and Situations

There are moments throughout Scripture and history when God intervenes in a way that changes everything in an instant—a “suddenly” that infuses a moment in time with the eternal. These divine interruptions can come after long seasons of waiting, as with Sarah who waited decades for a child, or as with the disciples who waited in the upper room. When God moves suddenly, breakthroughs, healings, deliverances, and new beginnings are released, and what seemed impossible becomes reality. If you are in a season of waiting or desperation, know that God’s “suddenly” can come at any moment, bringing transformation beyond what you could imagine. [00:13]

Acts 2:1-2 (ESV)
When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting.

Reflection: Where in your life do you need to invite God to move suddenly, and are you willing to wait and prepare your heart for His timing?

Day 2: Conviction and Correction Precede Breakthrough

Before God brings a breakthrough, He often brings conviction and correction, calling His people to repentance and cleansing. Just as God confronted Aaron and Miriam in Numbers 12, and as He has exposed and corrected leaders and individuals in recent times, He lovingly deals with hidden sin and brokenness. This is not to shame, but to set free and prepare for what He wants to do next. If the Holy Spirit is convicting you, respond quickly—don’t wait for public exposure, but allow God to cleanse and restore you privately so you can walk in freedom and purpose. [13:42]

Numbers 12:4-10 (ESV)
And suddenly the Lord said to Moses and to Aaron and Miriam, “Come out, you three, to the tent of meeting.” And the three of them came out. And the Lord came down in a pillar of cloud and stood at the entrance of the tent and called Aaron and Miriam, and they both came forward. And he said, “Hear my words: If there is a prophet among you, I the Lord make myself known to him in a vision; I speak with him in a dream. Not so with my servant Moses. He is faithful in all my house. With him I speak mouth to mouth, clearly, and not in riddles, and he beholds the form of the Lord. Why then were you not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?” And the anger of the Lord was kindled against them, and he departed. When the cloud removed from over the tent, behold, Miriam was leprous, like snow.

Reflection: Is there an area of your life where God is convicting you to change or let go of something? What step can you take today to respond to His correction?

Day 3: Preparation and Consecration Position Us for God’s Move

Before a “suddenly” comes, God prepares His people through seasons of consecration, cleansing, and unity. Like Hezekiah reopening and repairing the temple, God calls us to open our hearts, cleanse the inner places, and consecrate ourselves to Him. This preparation is not just for ourselves, but for the sake of others—so that when God moves, we are ready to welcome, disciple, and serve all whom He brings. The process may involve letting go of old patterns, surrendering control, and embracing unity, but it positions us for the outpouring God desires to bring. [17:49]

2 Chronicles 29:35-36 (ESV)
The burnt offerings were in abundance, with the fat of the peace offerings and the drink offerings for the burnt offerings. Thus the service of the house of the Lord was restored. And Hezekiah and all the people rejoiced because God had prepared the people, for the thing came about suddenly.

Reflection: What is one area of your life or heart that needs to be “repaired” or consecrated so you are ready for God’s next move?

Day 4: Praise in the Midnight Hour Breaks Chains

When Paul and Silas praised God at midnight in prison, their worship was not for an audience, but for God alone—and it brought a “suddenly” that broke not only their chains, but the chains of everyone around them. Midnight praise is powerful because it is offered in the darkest, most painful moments, often without words or understanding, but with faith. Your praise in the hard places can release freedom for you and for others who are watching your journey. Don’t underestimate the impact of your worship, even when it feels costly or unseen. [31:18]

Acts 16:25-26 (ESV)
About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s bonds were unfastened.

Reflection: In what “midnight hour” of your life can you choose to praise God today, trusting Him to break chains for you and those around you?

Day 5: Stewardship and Hunger Prepare Us for Divine Encounters

God’s sovereignty brings the “suddenly,” but our stewardship—faithfully doing what we know is right, cultivating spiritual hunger, and believing God—positions us to receive it. Like Tanya Puit, who simply discipled a few students and prayed faithfully, or the disciples who waited together in unity, our daily obedience and hunger for God open the door for Him to move. Don’t let unbelief, fear, or attachment to the past hinder you. Steward what God has given you, seek Him diligently, and expect Him to move in ways you cannot predict. [41:36]

Hebrews 11:6 (ESV)
And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

Reflection: What is one practical way you can steward your spiritual life and increase your hunger for God this week?

Sermon Summary

Throughout Scripture, there are moments when God intervenes in the lives of His people with a “suddenly”—a moment in time infused with the eternal, where everything changes in an instant. These divine interruptions are not just historical events; they are invitations for us today to expect God to move powerfully in our lives, our church, and even our world. From Sarah’s long-awaited child to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, God’s suddenlies often come after seasons of waiting, preparation, and deep hunger for His presence.

We are entering a season marked by these suddenlies—a time of conviction, salvation, miracles, and breakthrough. Recent moves of God on university campuses, like Asbury and Auburn, show that God is still in the business of showing up unexpectedly, transforming lives, and calling people to radical obedience. These moments are not reserved for the spiritually elite; they often begin with ordinary people who simply say “yes” to God, stewarding what’s in their hands and trusting Him with the outcome.

But before the suddenly comes, there is often a process—a time of waiting, cleansing, and preparation. Like Hezekiah reopening and repairing the temple doors, we are called to open our hearts, allow God to cleanse the inner places, and consecrate ourselves afresh. Sometimes, God’s suddenlies come with conviction and correction, exposing what’s hidden so that healing and freedom can follow. Other times, they come as deliverance from bondage, as with Paul and Silas in prison, or as a fresh outpouring of the Spirit, as at Pentecost.

The waiting can be uncomfortable, especially when it means letting go of control, facing our fears, or surrendering cherished habits or past experiences. Yet, it is in the waiting that God prepares us, increases our hunger, and aligns our hearts with His purposes. Our role is to steward the moment, remain faithful in what we know to do, and cultivate a spiritual hunger that positions us for God’s sovereign move.

Now is the time to respond—to lay down what hinders, to seek God’s cleansing, to praise Him in the midnight hour, and to expect that He will move suddenly in our midst. Whether you need salvation, deliverance, healing, or a fresh infilling of the Spirit, God is ready to meet you. Let us prepare ourselves, open the doors of our hearts, and cry out for a suddenly that will change everything.

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Key Takeaways

1. Divine Suddenlies Follow Seasons of Waiting and Preparation God’s sudden interventions often come after long periods of waiting, hunger, and preparation. Just as Sarah waited decades for her promise and the disciples waited in unity before Pentecost, we must not despise the process. The waiting is not wasted; it is the crucible where faith, humility, and expectation are forged, preparing us for the moment when God moves in power. [36:51]
2. Conviction and Cleansing Precede Breakthrough Before God brings a suddenly of blessing or power, He often brings a suddenly of conviction and correction. Like Hezekiah reopening the temple and the priests cleansing the inner places, we are called to allow the Holy Spirit to search and purify even the hidden areas of our lives. True breakthrough and freedom come when we respond to conviction with humility and repentance, not resistance. [18:20]
3. Obedience in the Ordinary Positions Us for the Extraordinary God uses ordinary people who are willing to say “yes” in the small things. Tanya Puit’s story shows that simple acts of faithfulness—discipling a few, praying for a campus, swinging the bat when God says so—can spark movements that impact thousands. Stewarding what God has placed in our hands, even when it seems insignificant, postures us for His sovereign suddenly. [41:36]
4. Praise in the Midnight Hour Releases Chains—For Us and Others Paul and Silas praised God in their darkest moment, and their worship not only set them free but also broke the chains of everyone around them. Midnight praise is not about performance but about faith that worships God in pain, confusion, or uncertainty. Our willingness to praise in the hard places becomes a testimony and a catalyst for freedom in the lives of others. [31:35]
5. Letting Go of Control and Past Experiences is Essential for the New Move of God Fear of losing control, being misunderstood, or clinging to past moves of God can hinder us from receiving the next suddenly. God calls us to lay down what He asks—habits, offenses, even cherished memories of past revivals—so we can step into the new thing He is doing. Spiritual hunger, humility, and a willingness to be misunderstood are keys to experiencing God’s fresh outpouring. [39:22]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:13] - The Power of Divine Suddenlies
[01:20] - Reading from Acts: Waiting for the Promise
[02:31] - Crying Out for a Suddenly
[04:12] - Testimonies of Modern Suddenlies
[05:22] - Tanya Puit’s Story: Obedience and Revival
[08:10] - Outpourings on University Campuses
[13:10] - Suddenly: Conviction and Correction
[16:21] - Hezekiah’s Suddenly: Cleansing and Consecration
[18:20] - Cleansing the Inner Places
[20:33] - Worship, Offerings, and Unity
[22:01] - Paul’s Suddenly: Transformation and Process
[26:21] - Paul and Silas: Praise in Prison
[31:35] - The Power of Midnight Praise
[33:31] - Pentecost: Waiting and Unity
[36:51] - Hindrances to Your Suddenly
[41:36] - Stewardship and Sovereignty
[42:28] - Invitation and Response
[46:09] - Closing Prayer for a Suddenly

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Acts 1:4-5, 8; Acts 2:1-2 — (Jesus commands the disciples to wait for the promise of the Holy Spirit, and the Spirit comes suddenly at Pentecost.)

- 2 Chronicles 29:1-11, 35-36
(Hezekiah reopens and cleanses the temple, leading to a sudden move of God.)

- Acts 16:25-26
(Paul and Silas praise God in prison, and suddenly an earthquake sets them and others free.)

Observation Questions

In Acts 2:1-2, what were the disciples doing right before the Holy Spirit came “suddenly”?
According to 2 Chronicles 29, what steps did Hezekiah and the priests take before God moved among the people?
In Acts 16:25-26, what happened as a result of Paul and Silas praising God at midnight?
The sermon described recent “suddenlies” on university campuses. What were some common features of these events? [[04:12]]

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think God often chooses to move “suddenly” after a season of waiting or preparation, rather than immediately? [[36:51]]
The sermon said that conviction and cleansing often come before breakthrough. Why might God want to deal with hidden things in our lives before releasing blessing or power? [[18:20]]
How does obedience in small, ordinary things prepare someone for a bigger move of God? Can you see a connection between Tanya Puit’s story and biblical examples? [[41:36]]
What is the significance of praising God in the “midnight hour” or in difficult circumstances, both for ourselves and for those around us? [[31:35]]

Application Questions

The sermon talked about “waiting” as a time of preparation, not wasted time. Is there an area in your life where you feel like you’re waiting on God? How might you use this season to prepare your heart for a “suddenly”? [[36:51]]
Are there any habits, attitudes, or past experiences that you sense God is asking you to lay down so you can receive something new from Him? What would it look like to actually do that this week? [[39:22]]
The story of Hezekiah involved opening and cleansing the temple. What would it mean for you to “open the doors” of your heart and let God cleanse the inner places? Is there a specific area you need to invite Him into? [[18:20]]
Tanya Puit’s story showed that simple obedience—just “swinging the bat”—can lead to big things. What is one small step of obedience you feel God is prompting you to take right now? [[41:36]]
Paul and Silas praised God in their darkest moment, and it set others free too. Is there a “midnight hour” situation in your life where you need to choose praise? How could your response impact those around you? [[31:35]]
The sermon mentioned that fear of losing control or clinging to past experiences can keep us from God’s next move. Is there a fear or comfort zone you need to surrender to God? What’s holding you back? [[39:22]]
Spiritual hunger was described as a key to experiencing God’s “suddenlies.” What is one way you can intentionally cultivate more hunger for God this week? [[42:12]]

Sermon Clips

Genesis to Revelation that there are moments when God meets with his people and when that happens a suddenly occurs. Suddenly is a moment in time that's infused with the eternal. And from that point forward whenever there's a suddenly a divine suddenly everything changes.

A person or a group experiences a a divine suddenly and even if they've been waiting a lifetime, everything changes. Just ask Sarah, who waited over 40 years for a son. And when God announced to her that within a year she would be having and holding a son in her arms, even though she had waited 40 years, it happened suddenly. [00:00:23]

In 2023 in Asbury University or Asbury Seminary in Kentucky, the kids came together for what was just a normal chapel. But what ended up happening was an abnormal release of the presence of God in their midst. And for the next couple of months, over 10,000 people showed up at the Asbury campus because God had sovereignly suddenly showed up. [00:04:22]

And those moments were marked not so much by extravagant outward external moves of God, but they were marked by an internal conviction of sin. And so students were beginning to confess their sin and not just confess their sin, but pray for breakthrough so that they might live no longer addicted and bound to that particular sin. And God was faithful to do that for them. [00:04:50]

She immediately began to disciple the young ladies that were around her on the college campus. Her heart was torn and churned within her because as she got to know these young ladies in a small setting, she found out that they were desperate. She found out that they were struggling with everything from suicide to pornography addiction to drugs, alcohol, and sexual addictions. [00:06:03]

She got all of those things procured and she invited them. In her wildest imagination, she would never have believed that over 1,000 students were going to show up that night. They packed the auditorium and an invitation was given and over 200 students accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. [00:08:16]

The number of students that followed Jesus and wanted to know him and wanted to be baptized grew to such a level that ponds and pools and fountains were not enough. They had to bring in galvanized tanks filled with water. U-Haul trucks with galvanized tanks in the back. There were even such a level of desperation that pickup trucks were lined with tarp and filled with water and students were baptized in the back of pickup trucks. [00:10:41]

They have one goal and one thing on their hearts. Their one thing is to share Jesus Christ with a student body and the power of his resurrection. Suddenly, she was just walking around campus and she said, "Yes, Lord." And God suddenly spoke to her and she swung the bat and God used her to start such a movement. [00:12:26]

I want you to know this morning, it does not matter what your addiction is. It does not matter what your sin is. There is a holy powerful God that's in the house this morning and he wants to suddenly cleanse you from that, free you from that for you to go forward and swing the bat without any incumbrances. We serve a forgiving God. [00:15:42]

Anytime you find a church closed off to the move and the power of the Holy Spirit, anytime you find a people that gather together and they don't want anyone from the outside to come in, anytime you find a group of people that are coming together and they are opposed or they are severely uncomfortable with anyone different from them coming into that place, their doors need to be repaired. [00:17:05]

We come just as we are, but we do not stay as we are because the anticipation is that God is going to suddenly show up and deal with us and transform our lives. The doors were opened and repaired. The priests and the Levites, they gathered together and they sanctify themselves. [00:17:38]

Because you see earlier in Acts, a young man named Stephen had been preaching the gospel. And in the preaching of the gospel, he stirred up some religious demons. And they began to nash their teeth at him. And they took Stephen and they were they were going to stone him. And so Stephen's standing there, but somebody needed to hold their coats so they could pick up rocks and throw them at Stephen. [00:23:54]

That process required many people, many people making sacrifices, many people believing God for what they could not see with their eyes. I don't know why you are going through the things that you are going through. I do not know why you've suffered the losses that you have suffered. But I do know this. There is a righteous God who has a plan and a purpose. And everything you've walked through has meaning. [00:25:34]

There's something powerful about midnight praise. Midnight praise has no audience except for one. Midnight praise is not looking for a song that's sung in tune because often times a midnight praise comes out and groans and moans that have only to be interpreted by the spirit of God himself. [00:28:43]

When we praise and we worship in the midnight hour, it's not just us. Your children are watching you. Your grandb babies are watching you. The person sitting next to you is watching you. The person sitting in sitting in this congregation, they're watching you. Choir, the people sitting in the pews, the choir is watching you. [00:31:35]

A divine suddenly is the convergence of sovereignty and stewardship. And here's what I mean by that. God is sovereign. He does what he wants, when he wants, any way he wants to. The sovereignty of God and the stewardship of us. If I'm not stewarding the moment that I'm in, I could possibly miss a suddenly because I've gotten tired of doing what's right. [00:40:50]

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