The God of Suddenly

*disclaimer* I’m not sure if it’s because we’re living in a season when everything needs to be fact-checked or if there’s another explanation for it. Whatever it is though, my spirit is acutely alert these days and this causes me to mull certain things over before readily accepting.

A Miracle Service?

This was the case the other day when I came across an ad for a “miracle service”. The ad specifically mentioned “instant miracles” and “immediate breakthroughs”. Suffice to say I right away began pondering some questions. How does this align with biblical patterns? Is this approach backed by the Word? Is God an immediate God? Does faith have a time limit?

Now, I am well aware that God’s power is limitless and that His presence commands responses from the living as well as the inanimate. I suppose my hesitancy here is in the suggestion that God’s work must be immediate or that some act of man can force God to act within a given time-frame.

Has God promised “immediately”?

The nature of God is consistent. Malachi 3:6 says “For, I am the Lord, I do not change” (NKJV). Throughout the Bible we see a pattern of God showing up to fulfill His covenant of being a faithful and prayer answering God. However, there are very few instances where the Bible records that God responded “immediately” to anything. Moreover, we certainly do not see any promise from God in His Word that He will respond to our situations or our petitions “immediately”.

Here’s what the Bible says…

Based on the pattern established in the Word, the God of Suddenly, moves in His own way, in His own time. These sudden moves are usually unexpected and unrehearsed, and defy human logic to make possible what humans would have already deemed impossible.

The following accounts come to mind:

1. Lazarus’ illness and subsequent death
2. The woman with the issue of blood
3. Hannah, her bareness and the gift of her son Samuel

There are some common factors in all of these situations.

1. Humans considered these situations to be impossible
2. There was evidence of persistent faith and an intent pursuit of God
3. Man could not have fixed the situation
4. God was glorified in the outcome

The crux of the matter!

Today’s life is fast-paced and we are socialised to expect things in a hurry. This presents a dilemma, because the things of the spirit cannot be modified to suit an eager generation.

The reality is that God acts suddenly because He is God, because He is sovereign. He is stirred to move when our faith is persistent, and when we continue to pursue Him without timelines. When we dare to trust Him and demonstrate our love for Him, despite delays and denials, despite extended hardship or pain, despite the pronouncements of men. When we dare to say, no matter my situation, no matter the dire circumstance, You are still my God, that’s when He moves…suddenly.

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Agape,

Kareem Lee |Founder |Hummingbird Journeys

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