Suddenly

Yesterday, I wrote about the shepherds and how they were simply minding their own business as they tended to their flocks. I wonder what some of them were thinking about as they stood in the fields? Maybe some of them were burdened and worried about various struggles in their lives. There could have been some who were concerned about providing for their families. I am sure sheepherders probably did not make a large income.

Some of the guys were probably thinking about the Lord, about problems, and other's minds were wandering toward things not of the Lord. Needless to say,it was just a normal, routine evening of the mundane. Then without warning, Hands of Heaven split the sky and Glory came down. It was a moment of the suddenly.

"Suddenly, God's angel stood among them and God's glory blazed around them." Luke 2:9

I think God loves to surprise us with the "suddenly moments". I know that is the case with us lately. And you know when those suddenly seasons come you are caught off guard and you are terrified. Either you are scared silly or you are swept off your feet and overwhelmed with the unexpected arrival of an answer to prayer.

Our move to Arizona 3 months ago was a sudden movement. It was terrifying. One day it was life as normal.John was unemployed for the eighth month and we had no money.Then the day came when the sky split and the Lord came down said something. He said, "Phoenix!" After that, a call came for an interview offered to John in the Phoenix area. We were in shock, a daze of sorts, "Like, what God? No. Surely not. Phoenix? Arizona? No. Now? Surely You are not calling us to move to the other side of the USA!"

Then wham. The job offer came on the spot.The day of the interview. Three weeks later, the Lord picks us up and moves us to the other side of the country. We drive over 1800 miles in an old 15 passenger van filled with kids of all ages and we made it in 2 and a half days.

With such a large family, God has continually tested us in our confidence and trust in Him to provide financially for our family. It is so amazing how jealous He is. That He designs the perfect ways to keep us dependent on Him alone. There have been times when we felt the Lord took His hand off of us.At times it has been difficult to believe that the Lord would make up for losses or deliver provision when there was seemingly no hope.

For example, a few weeks ago we found out that John's company was going to cut his paycheck to pay for the taxes owed on our move out here. It was totally unexpected. We were not done shopping for the holidays. We had bills due, car work needing to be done, and a list of other needs. It was difficult not to worry. It seemed like the same old song.

However, all we could do was keep living life. Continue to move forward and do the daily things we always do. Caring for our family, our little flock. Being sheepherders for the sake of the sheep.

Then suddenly, in the very place of loss and concern, God's glory shines down. Breakthrough arrives. Today, John sent me a text sharing that he received a bonus. It was a huge bonus and he has only been with the company for 3 months. And here I go again! "God surely...what? That much? John's only been with the company 3 months! Is that you God?"

Needless to say, this morning has held another suddenly for our family at a time when we really needed it. This post is not to boast in anything other than a Father who really is trustworthy. Even when we are tempted to become suspicious of God and thoughts of mistrust invade our minds, He still invades the norm and blows our minds in that He is always faithful.

So here is my boast, just as the angels proclaimed, "Glory to God in the Highest!"
No matter where your struggle lies, be comforted and filled with peace in knowing that He has come. He is trustworthy. He is alive and active in your life. Check back soon because I have a lot more to share about these ordinary sheepherders and how we are so much like them. Enjoy your sheep and field today. Merry Christmas.

Morning Bagel- God was not attracted to you and did not choose you because you were big and important-the fact is, there is almost nothing to you. He did it out of sheer love, keeping the promise HE made to your ancestors.God stepped in and mightily brought you back out of the world of slavery, freed you from the iron grip of Pharaoh king of Egypt. Know this. God your God, is God indeed, a God you can depend upon. He keeps His covenant of loyal love with those who love Him and observe His commandments for a thousand generations. Deuteronomy 7:7-9 The Message Bible

Daily Hug: Father, I thank you that you are always trustworthy. Even on the days when it feels like my prayers are not heard, You can be depended upon. Help me to stay focused on the reality that You sent Jesus and You gave me eternal life. Since you gave those wonderful gifts, how much more can I depend on You and trust You for everything else in my life. Forgive me Lord for being suspicious and questioning Your goodness at times. Thank you for being so patient and understanding of my fragile heart. Most all, thank you for the gift of your presence. For invading my life and showing up just at the right time. The HERO OF HEROES! You are glorious. May my life be an offering of worship unto You today. In Jesus Name. Amen.