In Ernest Hemingway’s novel, The Sun Also Rises, one character asks another, “How did you go bankrupt?” His friend responds, “Two ways. Gradually, then suddenly.”

Gradually, then suddenly. Isn’t that how much of life works?’ At least it’s how mine does. And often, the “gradually” part seems to last a long time. Depending on what you’re going through, “a long time” could be a month. Or it could be ten years. Or longer.

In Acts 12, Herod has already had James executed and has put Peter in prison. Verse 6 says:

The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance.

It’s the night before the trial. Most likely, it’s not going to be a fair one and will end in Peter’s execution. He has a guard on each side of him. He’s bound with two chains and there are more guards outside his cell. It’s not looking good.

And maybe it’s not looking good for you either. Your circumstances might feel like you’re bound with chains in your own prison cell. Maybe it’s a failing marriage, a strained relationship with a child, a difficult boss or a conflict with a friend. It could be a job you hate, a struggling business, a financial crisis or a health issue. Like Peter, maybe you’re being persecuted or unjustly accused. Whatever it is, you’re in a situation you never would have chosen, probably didn’t see coming, aren’t really sure how it happened and you can’t see a way out. The next verse says:

Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. “Quick, get up!” he said, and the chains fell off Peter’s wrists.

There are a couple of things I’ve noticed about “suddenly’s”. First, they seem to happen when it looks like it’s too late. Sarah was 90 when she gave birth to Isaac. Job lost his wealth, his health and all of his children, but then got back double what he’d lost. Joseph languished in prison for years before he rose to the number two position in Egypt. Lazarus was in the tomb for four days before Jesus brought him back to life.

The second thing I’ve noticed about “suddenly’s” is that often they look like “gradually’s.” No angels. No bright lights. No voices telling you what to do. No chains that drop off your wrists. But one day you look back and realize things are better. Not perfect, but better.

I love the big “suddenly” moments. The breakthroughs. Those times when God shows up just as dramatically as He did in Peter’s cell. And if you need a breakthrough today (and who doesn’t?), I pray you get one. But don’t be surprised if instead of a breakthrough, you get a go-through. No big event that relieves your suffering, but a subtle whisper to faithfully persevere.

The go-through isn’t easy or fun, but there are very powerful lessons we can ONLY learn in a season of “gradually.” Just don’t quit. The Lord sees you and He’s at work.