Years ago when I taught fourth grade, our reading curriculum included a mini-lesson about A-HA Moments—places in a story where the author answers questions the reader has been wondering about.
Watching for those moments keeps the reader alert (thus improving comprehension), contributes to greater understanding of the plot and characters, and makes reading more fun.
Once our students became familiar with the concept, we enjoyed calling out “A-HA!” to one another (occasionally in unison) as other epiphanies occurred, whether it was in class or at recess. The sharing of A-HA Moments developed our classroom community and added to the joy of learning.
Our Heavenly Father also provides A-HA Moments, through such avenues as scripture, other reading, comments from others, and observations in nature. Our God is highly creative, providing personal revelations in numerous ways.
And similar to the benefits of A-HA Moments for students, our discovery moments with God augment our understanding of scripture and spiritual matters, strengthen our relationship with him, and add to the joy of learning from him.
For example:
- An A-Ha Moment from Scripture
After six delightful years at one church, my pastor-husband received word he’d be assigned to a new congregation in three months’ time. My heart sank. This would be our third such move in thirteen years, and it wasn’t getting easier. As you know, saying good-bye hurts.
In addition, I had just returned that year to full-time teaching, after a long hiatus as a stay-at-home mom. Now I’d face the onerous task of procuring another position.
In the weeks that followed the announcement, we learned about some of the difficult challenges facing the new-to-us congregation. And I wondered, God, what ARE you doing?
One afternoon a radio host quoted Jeremiah 29:11—a familiar scripture—but that day those words spoke loud and clear to me from God himself: Nancy, there is no reason to worry. I have already worked out my plans for you—plans to prosper you, not harm you, plans to give you HOPE and a thriving future.
Indeed we did prosper at that new church—for thirteen years—as God brought us and taught us through those numerous challenges. But one problem took care of itself—a new teaching position for me. (You can read that story at After the Fact.)
- An A-HA Moment from other reading
The fact I’m writing about this topic today is the result of an A-HA Moment in itself. First, the seed of an idea was already on my topic list for 2019, but I had no notion how to develop it.
Currently I’m studying Discerning the Voice of God by Priscilla Shirer. And just the other day I read this:
“I know the Lord is speaking to me personally when I read my Bible
and a particular verse or passage seems illuminated
—it just lifts up off the page,
and I seem to hear a gentle, inaudible whisper
as I have an ‘aha moment’ in my heart.”
–Anne Graham Lotz
Anne’s A-HA Moment caused me to have one of my own. God brought to mind the story about moving I just shared above as well as other examples. Then he pointed out other avenues of A-HA Moments, and I knew this was today’s topic.
- An A-HA Moment in God’s Living Room
That’s what Michael Hyatt* calls the out-of-doors. Isn’t that a poetically perfect appellation? My special corner in God’s living room is our back deck overlooking the treetops.
One morning last October, the deck was surrounded by stillness—no birds trilled, no squirrels chattered—until one lone cardinal began to sing. Enthusiastically he filled our little woods with his voice, and his song made me smile.
I was reminded that God often breaks through the stillness of all our lives, with custom-designed lessons, answered prayers, and out-of-the-blue blessings. As a result, we experience hope, peace, and joy—three commodities that make life worth living.
Recorded in my journal is the impression God spoke in my spirit:
I do love to surprise My children! And their subsequent celebrations of praise bring Me great pleasure. But in reality I provide more wonders than they often perceive. Some surprises go unnoticed.
Keep watching and listening, Nancy, so we can smile, laugh, and celebrate together all the delightful surprises I bring into your life.
And therein lies the secret for experiencing life-enriching A-HA Moments with God: keeping watch (Micah 7:7) and listening attentively (Proverbs 1:5).
“Blessed are your eyes because they see,
and your ears because they hear.”
–Matthew 13:16
*former CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishing
What A-HA Moment has God presented to you lately? Tell us your story in the Comments section below!
(Photo credits: http://www.kadena.af.mil; http://www.calicospanish.com; http://www.maxpixel.net; http://www.heartlight.org; http://www.pixabay.com; Nancy Ruegg; http://www.canva.com; http://www.pixabay.com.)
From the Inside Out 
Our Women’s Bible study group just completed Priscilla Shirer’s Discerning the Voice of God—wonderful study!
Well, how about that? I have found it insightful myself. Love that Tony Evans has written an article for each week too–an extra bonus!
I agree!
Thank you, Nancy!
Praying for Steve.
Excited to hear that you are completing Discerning the voice of God by Priscilla Shirer. Very insightful…ch. 5 was the most life changing for me. Blessings to you for your commitment to this blog. 💕Diane
I’ll look forward to Chapter 5, Diane! Thank YOU for being a faithful reader and especially for continuing to pray for Steve. He’s doing well!
So many of my A-Ha moments seem to come afterward — when I look back at so many events in my life and say, “A-Ha! That’s what God was doing!” Something I thought was so horrible at the time turned into an unexpected joy. Love the Jeremiah verse, but another one that also really spoke to me in difficult times is Isaiah 43:18-19:
Forget the former things;
do not dwell on the past.
See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
and streams in the wasteland.
Thanks for sharing your experience.
You are so right 140 CC: hindsight often reveals A-HA Moments that we didn’t recognize at the time they happened. That passage from Isaiah 43 IS beautiful and encouraging. Thank you for sharing!
When we were looking at uprooting from 20 years at the same place, where lots of family resided. we took a weekend and traveled to my new potential job area. On a dreary rainy day we drove by the new workplace as the sun broke through the clouds and a rainbow appeared over the land and building where I had been asked to work. We had already decided (99% anyway) to move but it seemed the rainbow was an important 1%. yes, ah-ha. I took a picture to remind me when times get tough.
Delightful story, Gary! What a memorable affirmation God gave you–photo reminder or not! Thank you so much for sharing.
I know you read about my watching the young robin building her nest outside my window – That was quite the ah-ha moment when she was finally successful. life is full of these moments if we pay attention. God is so good! Have a great weekend, Nancy
Indeed, you were blessed with a delightful lesson from God’s Living Room! You were definitely paying attention!
“Some surprises go unnoticed.”
Today’s “Aha.” And “Amen. Help me see.”
Thank you, Nancy.
You are an expert of A-HAs, Laurie, well-tuned to God’s revelations and his voice. I am so grateful for YOUR insights and example!
Hi Nancy,
When the Lord reminds me it is one day at a time. I try and bear to world on my shoulders and get a little overloaded. He is working and I need to take one day at a time.
Thanks,
Gary
Amen, Gary, one day (one hour?!) at a time. I, too, tend to borrow trouble from the future. Still working at consistent application of Matthew 6:25-34!
I love that we all have struggles and need the Lord 247.
I look forward to many AH-A’s in Heaven, Nancy! Those questions that have no answers here on earth will be answered completely. But by then I think the answers may not be so important, as my focus will be on worshiping Him and reuniting with those who passed.
Oh, yes! We’re going to be blessed speechless as God reveals the full tapestry of wonders he has performed in our earthly lives and throughout time! But you’re right: many A-Ha’s will cease to matter in comparison to Jesus himself!
Just a couple of days ago, I had a hard time with something and couldn’t see God in that situation. I got on my knees and cried out to God (I did actually cry). I told him I couldn’t hear Him and He needed to speak to me. While I was praying, my phone went off notifying me of a text. I whined a little longer to the Lord and then checked my phone. It was from my good friend and read, “Please pray for me. Spiritual attack.”
My Aha, came while I prayed for her. My own “funk” lifted as I prayed and in an instant I knew I had been under attack as well (and I was grateful God was listening :-))) )
Wonderful story, Heidi. Praise God for the times He’s intervened and made the path straight before us!