Manna From Heaven: 5 Days of Nourishment for the SoulSýnishorn

Suddenly

Live life long enough and you know how things can suddenly change with very little warning. Suddenly, we lose a loved one. Suddenly we’re in a pandemic. Suddenly, I lost my job. Suddenly, our car broke down. Suddenly, our neighbor started yelling.

Suddenly can change everything but what comes after that can vary. Here are a few examples of what happens when God is added to the equation,

“Suddenly, a fierce storm struck the lake, with waves breaking into the boat.” (Matthew 8:24)

Uh oh, time to start panicking right? Hold your horses, let’s see what happens a mere two verses later,

Jesus responded, “Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!” Then he got up and rebuked the wind and waves, and suddenly there was a great calm. (Matthew 8:26)

How about Paul and Silas being thrown into prison? It looked like the end of the road for this dynamic duo as they found themselves shackled in the inner dungeon (Acts 16:24). The bleak surroundings didn’t prevent these guys from enjoying a time of prayer and worship (Acts 16:25). And then,

“Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off!” (Acts 16:26)

This same Paul had been the ruthless Saul who was persecuting followers of Jesus throughout the region. “Saul was uttering threats with every breath and was eager to kill the Lord’s followers.” (Acts 9:1)

Just two verses later we read, “As he was approaching Damascus on this mission, a light from heaven suddenly shone down around him.” (Acts 9:3)

As we place our trust in Jesus, it’s comforting to know that He has the final say regarding what comes after our suddenly.

Reflection: How have you seen the Lord change a negative “suddenly” into a positive one for His glory? Call upon the Lord to have the final say regarding a recent “suddenly.”