Ever look at something, someone, an event, or some story of success and the storyline seems to be: “They are an ‘overnight’ success?”

For me as a pastor it seems that we get these stories of “overnight” success of churches, ministries, etc. It’s like, “all of a sudden” here is this huge success story.

Laying aside our warped definitions of “success” stories, we need to realize something else: the “all of a sudden” stories come out of two consistent things many times:

1. Persistent prayer and obedience.

2. The “sudden” favor of God.

Mark Batterson relates the story of a $3 million miracle for their church in Draw the Circle. They had been persistent in prayer because God invited them to ask. Then, all of a “sudden,” God came through.

When we are persistent in prayer and walking in obedience, we get to come to those opportunities where God can “suddenly” show up.

It can all turn on a dime. But, in fact, it didn’t. It turned when we decided to get in the trenches and actually obey the invitation of God.

I am praying for these “one day” experiences. These “all of a sudden” moments. These “but God” shifts.

And I am trying to pray persistently for those “moments.”