We all want the “suddenlies” mentioned in the Book of Acts to happen in our children’s ministry, don’t we? We desire for the Holy Spirit to come and demonstrate His presence and power just as He did in Acts 2, 10, and 16 causing children to be empowered to fulfill their God-given assignments (Acts 2), bringing Holy Ghost interruptions to our ministries (Acts 10), and setting children free from chains and shackles (Acts 16).
Have you ever stopped to consider that the “suddenlies” were only a time issue and not an if issue? Take a few minutes and reread these accounts. It wasn’t a question of if the Holy Spirit would show up. In each of these stories, those involved had opened the door for His manifestation. In Acts 1:14, the disciples in the upper room “all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication …” In the account of the outpouring of the Holy Ghost upon Cornelius’ house, notice that “Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour.” Note that in Acts 16, “And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.”
Do you see the common thread among these “suddenlies”? They prayed. The private time of desperation and intimacy opened the door for the public appearance. The time of communion in the secret place opened the door for Him to show up in the public ministry.
Children’s ministry leader, once again pardon my Texanese. I double dog dare you to learn the secret to the Holy Spirit walking into your classroom. David had the answer. “I waited patiently and expectantly for the Lord; and He inclined to me and heard my cry.” (Psalm 40:1, Amplified Translation) Those who learn the importance of “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High …” (Psalm 91:1, Amplified Translation) can expect Him to make an unannounced appearance in their service.
Get ready. The Holy Spirit is waiting to make an unannounced visit to your ministry.
