{"id":662,"date":"2011-03-08T09:42:11","date_gmt":"2011-03-08T15:42:11","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/christianrep.com\/blog\/?p=662"},"modified":"2013-09-12T20:37:24","modified_gmt":"2013-09-13T01:37:24","slug":"when-things-happen-suddenly","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/christianrep.com\/blog\/2011\/03\/08\/when-things-happen-suddenly\/","title":{"rendered":"When Things Happen Suddenly"},"content":{"rendered":"
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According to the dictionary here are some definitions for suddenly:\u00a0 happening, coming, made, or done quickly, without warning, unexpectedly, occurring without transition from the previous form or state, done abruptly, <\/em>quickly made or provided.<\/div>\n

So often we get caught up in the day-to-day processes of life that we can lose hope and feel like things will never change.\u00a0 Sometimes we hear of famous people who seem to be an overnight sensation and wonder \u201cwhy did it come so easily for them\u201d?\u00a0 However, you discover from the story of their life that they had been diligently working away for years in small ventures, gaining experience and perfecting their skills, just waiting\u00a0to land the right opportunity.<\/p>\n

Looking through the Bible there are some wonderful examples of those who experience their sudden moment.\u00a0 Shepherds tending their flocks, a group of people united in faith and purpose, prisoners praying and singing, and a misguided man on a journey of cruel intention \u2013 all of them experienced their appointed moment of \u201csuddenly\u201d.\u00a0 Listed below are their stories.<\/p>\n

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Luke 2:13 \u2013 And suddenly<\/strong><\/em> there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n

God shows up to announce a fulfillment of His promise and purpose.\u00a0 These were ordinary shepherds doing ordinary work.\u00a0 They weren\u2019t too busy or distracted to hear and respond to the spectacular announcement made by the angels.\u00a0 Sometimes the promise has been a long time coming, but as we remain available to respond God will make sure we don\u2019t miss its sudden arrival.<\/p>\n

Matthew 17: 5 \u2013 While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly<\/strong><\/em> a voice came out of the cloud, saying, \u201cThis is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!\u201d<\/em> <\/em><\/p>\n

Don\u2019t be surprised when God suddenly decides to publicly praise, reward or honor you as a result of your faithfulness.\u00a0 When your praise is God ordained, you don\u2019t have to be fearful of pride gaining a foothold.\u00a0 He knows just the right way to bless and acknowledge you in such a way that you won\u2019t become prideful.\u00a0 You can rejoice in knowing that your Heavenly Father is pleased with you.<\/p>\n

Acts 2:2 \u2013 And suddenly<\/strong><\/em> there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.<\/em><\/p>\n

As we wait patiently and faithfully continue doing what we know we\u2019re supposed to do, God will show up in a big way to reveal something more of His purpose for us.\u00a0 Something new and unexpected is suddenly made available to us by His gracious provision.\u00a0 The key is to be patient and faithful right where you are at now.<\/p>\n

Acts 9:3 \u2013 As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly<\/strong><\/em> a light shone around him from heaven.<\/em> <\/em><\/p>\n

Then there are those times when God encounters people when they aren\u2019t even looking for Him.\u00a0 Perhaps you have been interceding on behalf of someone else for a long time, but don\u2019t be surprised when they share with you about their sudden and unexpected, God-orchestrated encounter.\u00a0 He knows exactly how, when and where to meet people in their journey of life.<\/p>\n

Acts 16:26 \u2013 Suddenly<\/strong><\/em> there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone\u2019s chains were loosed.<\/em> <\/em><\/p>\n

Sometimes we feel resistance that is the same as heavy chains upon us.\u00a0 But there are no chains so great that God cannot loose us from them as we keep our focus on Him.\u00a0 The resistance you feel can be used as a point of growth and strengthening, but it is not meant to endure forever.\u00a0 When the time is right you will be enabled to freely move on to the next thing appointed for you and ultimately\u00a0celebrate success.<\/p>\n

Sometimes what feels like a sudden change is something that has been gradually building and it just feels sudden because it has been a long time coming.\u00a0 Some sudden moments have been built by the bridge of faithfulness and endurance, other times those moments have been built through life experience and preparation, and others are simply God\u2019s grace and purpose extended to us.\u00a0 Be encouraged and remember that God has not forgotten you and He knows the perfect timing for your moment of \u201csuddenly\u201d.<\/p>\n

I have personally experienced an entire season of sudden moments where multiple things seemed to converge like change and crisis, leaving me both confused and in awe.\u00a0 It could have been entirely overwhelming at the time, but looking back I see where God\u2019s hand guided me and the wisdom of His timing makes so much sense in hindsight.<\/p>\n

Have you ever experience a moment of suddenly with God?\u00a0 Are you anticipating God to move suddenly in your life this year?\u00a0 What can you do to be prepared for you suddenly moment?\u00a0 Your comments are always welcome and are a wonderful source of encouragement for others.<\/p>\n

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Lightning photo by Larry Johnson<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

According to the dictionary here are some definitions for suddenly:\u00a0 happening, coming, made, or done quickly, without warning, unexpectedly, occurring without transition from the previous form or state, done abruptly, quickly made or provided. So often we get caught up in the day-to-day processes of life that we can lose hope and feel like things … <\/p>\n

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