The “Suddenlys”

“Suddenly will my righteousness come near, and my salvation will be shining out like the light.” Isaiah 51:5

I have always been intrigued by the “suddenlys” in the Bible. Things are going along, and suddenly there is a change or something happens. It may be at the word of the Lord or by a move of the spirit, but suddenly everything is different. It seems there are between 87 and 167 occurrences of a suddenly, depending on how it’s translated. That’s a lot!  I think God is pointing out that what seemed impossible can be made possible when He breaks into a situation with His power and might. God shows up and instantly things are changed.

There are different words used for different meanings—in an instant, to disturb, to hasten, speedily, quickly, to flee, to be in trepidation—but all mean suddenly!

One of my favorites is from Acts 16:26: “Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s bonds were loosened.”

Can you imagine what a shock that was? Wow—quite a suddenly!

I also love Acts 2:2: “Suddenly there came from the sky a sound like the rushing of a mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.”

The Spirit filling the whole house must have been amazing! I’m always blessed when I sense the Spirit in my midst—whether alone or in a gathering.

Because I love Christmas so much, I love the passage in Luke 2:13,14: “Suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly army praising God and saying ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.'”

The shepherds must have been awestruck!

As I’ve been studying these passages in both the New and Old Testaments, I’ve been praying for my own suddenly—that God would come suddenly with His healing power in my body. That He would suddenly reverse the tumor growth! It’s a big ask, but I’m asking.

As well as praying for me, would you also pray for all of us here in South Africa? We are facing major load shedding—that’s when our electricity is turned off in 2½ hour blocks of time. We’re now having it two to four times a day. It’s frustrating, and hard to plan and get things done as it changes frequently. Businesses are suffering. There doesn’t seem to be an end in sight. We need some kind of suddenly to reverse this situation.

I’m also dealing with a number of legal matters. I’d appreciate your prayers for wisdom and clarity.

I read the phrase “Christlike in the crisis” somewhere. That’s what I’m praying for! May God help my heart, my attitude, my responses to be Christlike in everything I’m facing. I’m grateful for your prayers. It may sound strange, but I can “feel” them. Your prayer support is such a gift. Bless you!

Lord, may we be found Christlike in the crisis. Give us strength, Father. Amen.