From the Pastor’s Pen: A Word for Your Week
Mount Vernon Missionary Baptist Church
Subject: When God Moves Suddenly
Good Monday Morning, Mount Vernon Family,
Yesterday, we stood on holy ground as we explored the power of God’s sudden movements in our lives. The sermon, “And He Did It Suddenly,” reminded us that our God has a track record of showing up in the most unexpected ways, at the most unpredictable times, with the most undeniable power.
We walked through Malachi 3:1b, where God made a promise to His people: “The Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to His temple…” That word, “suddenly,” carries the weight of divine immediacy. It reminds us that God doesn’t operate on our timeline, but when He moves, He doesn’t hesitate, delay, or consult anyone’s calendar.
We saw how God moved suddenly throughout Scripture:
- He parted the Red Sea suddenly, making a way out of no way.
- He raised Lazarus from the dead suddenly, reminding us that it’s never too late for a miracle.
- He sent the Holy Spirit in Acts 2 suddenly, transforming ordinary disciples into extraordinary witnesses.
But church, we didn’t stop there. We lifted our eyes to Calvary, where Jesus came suddenly into human history—not as a king on a throne, but as a Savior in a manger. And we didn’t leave without looking ahead to His return, because one day soon, He will come back suddenly, in power and glory, to set everything right.
The Advent Season: A Time of Expectation
As we journey through this Advent season, we are reminded that Advent is all about waiting with expectation. It’s about preparing our hearts to receive the Lord who came once in humility and who will come again in majesty.
Family, I know waiting isn’t easy. It’s hard to trust when the road is long and the answers seem delayed. But Advent reminds us that the same God who kept His promise to send a Savior is the same God who will keep every promise He’s made to you.
Encouragement for Your Week
This week, I want you to hold on to the truth that God’s timing is perfect. Whatever you’re facing—whether it’s a decision you can’t seem to make, a burden you don’t know how to carry, or a situation that seems impossible—know that God is not silent. He is working behind the scenes, and when the time is right, He’ll move suddenly.
Here’s your assignment:
- Trust His Timing. Stop worrying about when God will move and start praising Him for the fact that He will.
- Prepare Your Heart. Use this Advent season to draw closer to Him. Spend time in prayer, read His Word, and focus on His promises.
- Keep Your Eyes on Calvary. Remember that Jesus didn’t just come to give us a better life; He came to give us eternal life. Everything we need is found in Him.
Family, I’m praying for you this week. I’m praying that God shows up suddenly in your life—in your home, in your relationships, in your health, and in your faith. And when He does, may you give Him the glory for what only He can do.
Let’s keep moving forward together, expecting God to move, because He always does!
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Richard Williams, Jr.
Mount Vernon Missionary Baptist Church
Reminders for the Week
- Midweek Bible Study: Join us Wednesday at 7 PM
- Choir Rehearsal: All choir members are reminded of rehearsal on Tuesday at 6:30 PM
Special Prayer Requests
Please keep the following members in your prayers this week:
- Deacon John Vereen
- Brother Brandon Gaddy
- Sister Cassandra Isaiah
- Sister Yolanda Oliver
Finally, let me encourage you with this: no matter what this season brings, remember that Emmanuel—God with us—is with you every step of the way. You are not alone. Let’s journey together as we prepare our hearts for His coming.
Blessings and love,
Reverend Richard Williams, Jr.
