The A-Ha Moment

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“If you hold to My teaching, you are really My disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” — Jesus’ words in John 8:31,32

You have heard it called many things—an A-Ha moment, a breakthrough, “it all came together,” “something clicked,” “my eyes were opened,” “the light bulb came on”. . . . all references to that time when a key element sinks into one’s thought processes and truth makes sense—perhaps for the first time.

Because we have all had this wonderful experience at one point, we cling to the hope for that moment in others—when something that has confounded them, perhaps for years, no longer is a stumbling block and they are free to experience the remarkable liberty that truth brings. Marriage counselors especially work towards this end in hopes that one (or both) of the spouses in a troubled relationship will “put the pieces together” and whatever problem has them stymied will be “fixed,” or at least relieved—allowing them to go on to the next level of breakthroughs. And because we know that A-Ha moments can take a lot of work in leading up to that moment of truth, and sometimes much time, we encourage ourselves and others to be patient and to persevere!

One of my favorite cinematic A-Ha moments occurs in “The Miracle Worker”—the true life story of Helen Keller, who became blind and deaf as a toddler due to an illness. In the 1962 movie, Anne Sullivan, Helen’s teacher, works tirelessly to help her student, then almost seven years old, to associate an object with its name, spelling out the letters of the word with signals in Helen’s hand. Over and over and over again she works with Helen, spelling out the names of objects throughout the house and countryside. This movie is worth seeing for the dramatic climax, when Helen finally “gets it,” the meaning of the word “water.” Helen understands, at one given moment, that the word “water” means the cold liquid that is poured into her hands from a garden pump—and then the whole world opens up to her as she leads her teacher around to every object in the Keller yard, learning one new word after another. The background music, the joy experienced by the Kellers, the fortitude of Anne Sullivan—all go together to create the on-screen brilliance of the moment when a life is changed seemingly in an instant.

I often recall, and speak about, two A-Ha moments in my life. One was on an August evening in Weatherford, Oklahoma, in 1980. My husband was TDY, and I was alone with my children while visiting relatives since we were between assignments and without a home. In my loneliness my thoughts were turning to spiritual matters—many questions went through my head and my heart. “What is life all about?” “Something’s missing—what is it?” “What do I really believe in?” “What does faith in God mean?” One night I happened to attend (yes, it appeared to be just that random) a concert of a little Christian band traveling around the country in a raggedy old school bus. God bless that band—I wish I knew who they were so that I could thank them for their faithfulness! That night they spoke truth—seemingly directly to me—as they shared the gospel of Jesus Christ. Either it was the first time that I had heard, or it was the first time that I “heard.” The Holy Spirit was at work in my heart. One of the band members told us that we are all sinners, and because of that we need a savior. That savior is Jesus Christ, the very Son of God, who loves us so much that He bore our sins on the cross so that we might be saved and spend eternity with God in heaven. It was my A-Ha moment—my break-through, as everything came together under the direction of the Holy Spirit. . . .it clicked, my eyes were opened, the light bulb came on in my head . . . . and “it all came together.” The band member asked us that night to make a decision—to repent and to trust our life to Christ. With every head bowed and every eye closed in the audience, I raised my hand as one who committed their life to Jesus as Lord and Savior. I’ve had peace ever since.  I was indeed born again, a new creation in Christ.

Six years later, in 1986, I attended a marriage seminar at our base chapel in Germany. My husband must have been deployed, or he was home with the kids—or working weekends—I don’t remember. Somehow it was just me. My neighbors dragged me along with them because initially I really wasn’t interested. After all, my marriage was fine. But a small missionary group came to teach us that weekend. . . .and I learned that marriage was God’s idea. There was a purpose to it, and that my husband and I would leave a legacy of faith for our children. A-Ha! Suddenly, yes suddenly, another light bulb came on! Our marriage wasn’t just about us, or our kids, or our assignment or career. . . . .it was about God!  Once again, the Holy Spirit was at work in my heart.

Turns out that an A-Ha moment really is a series of small breakthroughs, “process items,” which culminate at a point in time when it all comes together. . . . when we allow God to shed His light on our thinking and on our circumstances. . . . and then in humility we know that He is in control . . . .and we willingly turn the reins of our life over to Him. After all, He has always been in charge anyway. The freedom and the joy have been remarkable as I have seen God take me through the twists and turns of life with such love. None of it has been an accident. . . .and He has been so patient as He has worked with me over and over and over again until I “got it.”  It’s the working of the Holy Spirit! If I take the time to remember, I can see how He worked in and through other people, circumstances, Scripture, prayer—and I can see some of the steps which God used to bring me to my powerful moment of decision, the convergence. “I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember Your miracles of long ago.  I will meditate on all Your works and consider all Your mighty deeds.”  (Psalm 77:11,12)

Many others who have placed their hearts and lives in Jesus’ hands cannot point to a single moment of revelation of their need for repentance and rescue—it has been more of a gradual turning and light has been shed more and more on the truth of the good news of Jesus Christ. Either way, God is at work to touch hearts and change lives—forever.

I’m still a “work in progress,” as God still has much to teach me. Perhaps you feel the same. Perhaps there are still pieces missing—and you wonder who God really is. Believe me—He longs to shine the light of His truth into whatever darkness you are experiencing right now. You will never be the same—you will be free! You will have peace! Pray “Yes, Lord, I am a sinner and I need a Savior. Please forgive my sins and take control of my life. Thank You for dying on the cross for me, and make me the kind of person You want me to be. I want You to be on the throne of my life, not me. I need You, Lord Jesus, and I receive You as my Savior and my Lord.”

Did the Light come on? Tell someone about it. . . . maybe they need to hear, too.

“To be accustomed to our Lord’s teaching is not to ask, ‘What must I do to be good?’ but, ‘What must I do to be saved?’  How long does it take us to know what the true meaning of our life is?  One half second.” —  Oswald Chambers

Questions to Share:

1. Recall a time in your life when you realized an important truth, seemingly in an instant. Perhaps it was in putting together something your parents taught you, or realizing your part in a series of events which turned out for good. . . .

2. Can you say that you have recognized your need for Jesus Christ? Spend time in prayer and confess your sin, committing your life to Him.