Suddenly

Read 2 Kings 2:1-12. It is the story of Elijah being taken away and his mantle being bestowed on Elisha. This happened following a time of preparation. Elijah had laid his mantle symbolically on Elisha back in 1 Kings 19. Elisha had served and served with Elijah. Elisha knew that the end of Elijah's life was coming, but he didn't know when. 2 Kings 2 tells of that last day. They went from place to place. It was a long day following a long time of preparation. But after all of the waiting, verse 11 says, "...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." After all that time, his suddenly occurred.

Read Acts 2:1-4. The disciples knew that Jesus was resurrected and ascended. They knew that Jesus had told them to wait in Jerusalem until they received the Holy Spirit. They waited and prepared for that coming. Then verse 2 says, "Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting." After all that time, their suddenly occurred.

We are having a suddenly moment at Lakeside. We have tarried. We have spoken in faith about things we were not yet seeing. We have sought God's leading and direction, and now our suddenly is occurring. It is amazing to see how, every day, we get reports of miraculous occurrences. How plans only dreamed about a year or two ago are now coming to pass. How lives are being changed and people are preparing themselves to be sent into areas of spiritual influence in their neighborhoods, networks and nations.

After all that time, our suddenly is occurring.