When God Sneaks Up On You

🌞 Holy Moments in Ordinary Days: A Summer Reflection Series

Week 8

Sometimes, God shows up like a big, dramatic plot twist. The kind that flips the whole story. But other times? He slips into the room quietly. No grand entrance, no spotlight... just a gentle nudge you almost miss.

It might be… That random text from a friend you hadn’t heard from in months, showing up right after you prayed for encouragement. The song that starts playing in the car that perfectly echoes the prayer you didn’t have words for. A stranger holding the door for you when you’re juggling five grocery bags, your laptop, and a Dunkin’ iced coffee that’s one wrong tilt away from spilling. A sermon clip that pops up on your Instagram Reels at 1 a.m., speaking to something you thought no one else understood.

These aren’t “coincidences” ... they’re love notes from God. Small, simple reminders that you are seen, you are cared for, and you are not alone.

The truth is, we often expect God to show up in a thunderclap. But sometimes, he comes in the soft rain. Not to sweep us off our feet, but to steady them.

And here’s the secret I’m learning: The more you notice the little things, the more you realize they were never little.

Scripture to Sit With

1 Kings 19:11–12 (NIV)

“…The Lord said, ‘Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.’ Then a great and powerful wind tore through the mountains and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.”

Pause + Ponder

When was the last time God answered you in a small, subtle way? Did you recognize it at the time, or only later? How might you stay more aware this week?

Small Step This Week

Keep a “God’s Sneak-Ups” list. Write down every unexpected encouragement, answered prayer, or moment of peace you notice. By the end of the week, read them back and see just how present he’s been.