12th January 2024

The suddenlies

A friend used to call unexpected events, especially the negative or sad ones, “the suddenlies.” She shared about the time her son-in-law was killed in a car accident – a suddenly that changed the lives of her whole family. She said all she could do was sit on her bed and say, “Hold me, Jesus.” 

We don’t know what the new year will bring, but we can be sure, for some or even many of us, it could include a suddenly for us or someone we love. Chances are we’ve all experienced them in the past and can remember how we handled them – with grace or with difficulty. 

We can never be totally prepared for what comes when we least expect it, but it might help to remember that nothing surprises God. He created time and all of it, past, present, and future, are visible to him, so he is fully aware of whatever comes. Maybe we shouldn’t be surprised either, since Jesus said in John 16:33 that we will have trouble, trials, and distress. Knowing he already knows what will come, we can put our trust in him and abandon all outcomes to his care. 

Happy New Year and may this be a year of deeper trust in our God who holds us all – 

whatever comes – in his capable hands.

Study by Tammy Tkach

First published on 26 December 2023, at www.gemsofgodsgrace.wordpress.com

About the writer:
Tammy Tkach is the Assistant Pastor of the Eugene, Oregon, USA, Grace Communion International congregation. She is a speaker and writer, and publishes a blog at www.gemsofgodsgrace.wordpress.com  

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