During a former chapter of my life, I taught fourth grade language arts and social studies.
One of the reading strategies we emphasized was looking for Ah-HA Moments—places in a book where readers finally receive answers to the questions they’ve been asking—questions like:
- Why is the main character doing that?
- Who could be responsible for this situation?
- How will the main character(s) solve this problem?
The quest for Ah-HA Moments helps keep readers engaged, aids comprehension, and adds more pleasure to the reading experience.
I took great delight in seeing my students internalize this strategy. Even during other subjects, I’d hear “Ah-HA!” now and then, as a student found the perfect verb for her writing or a history research-team discovered why the Erie Canal was abandoned.
Eons ago the apostle Paul desired Ah-HA Moments for his children—the spiritual offspring he’d led to faith in Jesus.
(“St. Paul” by Rembrandt, c. 1657)
In Ephesians 1:18, Paul prays that his readers would experience spiritual Ah-HA Moments.
No, you won’t find those exact words in any translation. What you will find is a statement with similar meaning:
“I pray that the eyes of your heart
may be enlightened” (NIV).
And then Paul chose to highlight three aspects of our Christian experience that can create those Ah-HA moments: 1) Our hope in Jesus, 2) The riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and 3) God’s incomparable power.
I wonder what Ah-HA Moments we might discover while meditating on each one?
Consider the following:
Hope
“Hope is the reality that is being constructed,
but is not yet visible.”
—William Stringfellow (emphasis added)
And just what does our reality-under-construction include?
- God’s good work in us that is never-failing and never-ending (Philippians 1:6)
- Peace and joy, because we hope in Jesus (Romans 15:13)
- God’s delight in us—not when we’re finally perfect—but when we put our hope in him (Psalm 147:11)
- Hope that translates into strength—especially strength to persevere (Isaiah 40:31)
- Refinement, as the anticipation of Jesus’ return “acts as a purifying hope in our lives” (1 John 3:2-3 and Kay Arthur*)
Did any of those statements provide an Ah-HA Moment for you?
For me it was the third bullet point. God delights in me, simply because I hope in him. I don’t have to wait until I’m perfect to receive his approval.
The Riches of His Inheritance
Some Bible scholars believe Paul meant God’s inheritance in us.
We are his treasured possession, adopted into his family when we accept Jesus into our lives (Deuteronomy 7:6; Galatians 3:29).
As such, he takes care of us, provides purpose for us, and even takes pleasure in us. He enjoys our company and looks forward to the day when we’ll all be together with him for eternity (Revelation 21:3).
Again, any Ah-HA Moments?
I, for one, am astounded to realize God treasures me—sinful and flawed as I am.
God’s Incomparable Power
Every one of us can relate stories of God’s miraculous work, as he’s provided, protected, and guided in ways beyond human explanation.
But sometimes he produces super-human perseverance, inner strength, and even joy through difficult circumstances.
The Christian who avails herself of God’s power is ready for both kinds of intervention. She knows that God will supply all her needs, including the wherewithal to turn every negative into a positive.
That last statement provides my final Ah-HA for this post; maybe for you too. We can find delight—in spite of distress—as we avail ourselves of God’s power.
Of course, these two verses from Ephesians aren’t the only places in scripture where we can experience Ah-HA Moments. In fact, we will never come to the end of them—for which I am very grateful. You too?
“Nobody ever outgrows Scripture;
the book widens and deepens
with our years.”
–Charles Spurgeon
That’s especially true as we invite God to enlighten the eyes of our hearts—with Ah-HA moments.
*Kay Arthur, His Imprint, My Expression, p. 31.
Photo credits: http://www.needpix.com; http://www.wikimedia.com; http://www.heartlight.org; http://www.dailyverses.net; http://www.canva.com; http://www.flickr.com.
From the Inside Out 
Sweet Nancy, You post made me realize that I don’t ever have to stop having Ah-Ha moments. As God’s immeasurable, infinite, beautiful character keeps inviting us to explore him, may we learn to worship Him more and more. Your post gave me grace today “just be still and know that He is God” … and rest in one Ah-Ha at a time. THANK YOU!
Beautifully said, Heidi. You’ve reminded me of C. S. Lewis’s line about “further up and further in” (from The Last Battle). There is always more to explore and know–Hallelujah!
A recent “Aha!” moment for me was when I discovered that the two parables of the Kingdom of Heaven in Matthew 13 were not repeating the same idea, but complemented each other.
In verse 44 the Kingdom of Heaven is the treasure that a man found and sold all he had to purchase.
But in verse 45, WE are the treasure, the “pearl of great price,” and the LORD is the merchant that sold all He had to purchase US! We should never doubt our worth to Him. He gave everything for us – so we should give everything to Him.
Thank you for reminding me of that parable, illustrating how God views each of us as a pearl of great price. And yes, our happy response is to give everything back to him. Thank you for your insights, Ann!
Nancy, this is truly a delightful post. The “AHA” strategy is new to me and can see the value in teaching and putting it into practice. Thank you. I will pass it along when the opportunity arises.
Thank you, Ruth!
You are such a good teacher and with your words, I continue to discover God’s ah-ha moments. Thanks!!
Your passionate pursuit of God undoubtedly provides many opportunities for Ah-HA moments, Jean!
The real truth regarding myself is that once in awhile I have a moment of feeling sad that I’ve missed out on having a husband and children. When I am really feeling sorry for myself I become concerned that in some way I was unlovable…even though I sincerely believe and accept that it was God’s plan for me to be single. Reading this Ah-HA post and the comments of ‘seekingdivineperspective’ reminded me of my value to Him, that I am precious to Him, even a treasure. He found me worthy enough to send His Son to redeem me. Thank you for another timely and encouraging post, Nancy.
With your calm and gentle spirit (which is of great worth in God’s sight, 1 Peter 3:4), You ARE lovable! I agree with you: it was God’s plan for you to be single–for reasons I don’t understand. Praise God you found encouragement here, Cheri, and affirmation that you are a precious treasure!