In his book “ON WRITING,” writer Stephen King offers many great tips to writers one of which is to avoid using “ly,” words. King asserts that in most instances the “ly” word is unnecessary. A couple of days ago I passed this tip on to my sixteen year old son who grasped the concept right away. He responded, “You’re absolutely right. I can hardly think of a time when you definitely, couldn’t accurately describe what you are desperately trying to say without an ‘ly’ word.” Don’t you just hate a smart-lick?
One interesting “ly” word is SUDDENLY. The Bible is full of people who experienced dramatic suddenly moments in their lives. In 2 Kings 2:11, they were walking along together when SUDDENLY a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind. Another time in 2 Kings 13:21, some Israelites were burying a man and SUDDENLY they saw a band of raiders; so they threw the man's body into Elisha's tomb. When the body touched Elisha's bones, the man came to life and stood up on his feet! In Proverbs 28:18 we are warned that a perverse man will SUDDENLY fall and in Proverbs 29:1, that a stiff-necked man after many rebukes will SUDDENLY be destroyed. Daniel 5:5 describes an unusual account when the fingers of a human hand appeared and SUDDENLY began writing on the plaster of a wall.
In the New Testament we find the Holy Spirit coming to birth the church in a sound like the blowing of a violent wind, from heaven SUDDENLY filling the whole house, in Acts 2:2. Then later in Acts 16:26, SUDDENLY there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everybody's chains came loose.
When the Bible uses the word “suddenly” it always occurs in the presence of others and in a context where some action is required. Do you have needs in your life that call for a “suddenly” experience from God? If so are you positioning yourself around people who God can use in your life to bring this about? Are you listening for His still small voice and then making an urgent attempt to obey His instructions?
The ultimate suddenly for each of us as Christians will be the rapture. In the mean time, today what things do you believe God can do in and through your life? Although we can not experience God with our five senses He has proven himself to be the one and only trustworthy person in our lives. Because of his very nature and character it is impossible for him to lie.
Did you know that Christ has made each of us Royal and Righteous High Priests? That means that today, with Christ, we have a higher position than any of the priests of the Old Testament. Andrew Murray reminds us toe expect great things from our prayers. "Beware in your prayers, above everything else, of limiting God, not only by unbelief, but by fancying that you know what He can do. Expect unexpected things, above all that we ask or think. Each time, before you Intercede, be quiet first, and worship God in His glory. Think of what He can do, and how He delights to hear the prayers of His redeemed people. Think of your place and privilege in Christ, and expect great things!"
Expect God for your next Suddenly!
