This post is Day 25 in a series of studies about “Suddenly”. I strongly suggest you begin with the introduction to this study, please click here to read it.

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Suddenly – Day 25

I like this verse, because I have experienced these sorts of things. Our move to France as a family with young children in 1983 was definitely not our idea. It was from God! Many said this whole thing would be a blessing. But it did not start out that way.

Isaiah 48:3

I foretold the former things long ago, my mouth announced them and I made them known; then suddenly I acted, and they came to pass.

The Thought

Personally I like this verse, because I have experienced these sorts of things. Our move to France as a family with young children in 1983 was definitely God’s idea, not ours! Many said that this whole thing would be a blessing. But it didn’t start out that way, and we often talked about going back “home”. But there was no going back. We had sold our home!

But today both my husband and I, as well as our three children, will say it is one of the best things that has ever happened to us. No regrets!

It did often seem as though God was far away. I often wept and pleaded with Him “Where are You?” I have accused and blamed Him saying “this was not my idea! It was Yours”! But today I can say looking back that He was always there. Often the difficulties we have experienced in our family life have been so that we would see the victories and give thanks to God for being there teaching us many things through it all. These things have also been the subject of many sermons I have preached!

More mature Christians than me at those times often reminded me that God never promises us an easy life, but He does promise to be with us through it all!

Do not fear, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed for am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you by My righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:10).

Action

Think today about when God has seemed far away and then suddenly He appeared and sorted things for your life. Thank Him for experiences you can look back on when you have learned something important for later.

Thank Him for some of the “suddenlies” He has organised for you, and thank Him in advance for any you need right now.

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