SUDDEN VISITATION.
Saul, a man from Tarsus, who was still breathing threats and murder against the disciples, had obtained permission from the High Priest to visit the synagogue of Damascus; to arrest and persecute any person of the Way [Christian] and bring him or her to Jerusalem. That was the plan of just a human being. A proud Pharisee who believed in Judaism; he was still restless in his zeal to defend his Jewish religion from the new, ‘supposingly dangerous messianic sect,’ – follower of Jesus or disciples. He didn’t believe that son of Mary and Joseph, the carpenter from a poor family background of Nazareth where nothing good or remarkable had ever happened, would by any means be the son of God, God incarnate [God with us]. He was still expecting the son of God to come from the king’s palace, the rich and wealthy family or perhaps a military stalwart. He was faithful to his religion and pursued its goals. As he later revealed his credentials and testified, “I was circumcised on the eight day, an Israelite of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews, a Pharisee, a persecutor of Christians and blameless in self righteousness” [Philippians 3:5-6]. He dreaded and resisted the teaching of the new faith and prompting of the Holy Spirit; considered it a fallacy and of course against Judaism.
But as Saul traveled near Damascus, he experienced a sudden visitation. Suddenly a light shone around him from above, that was brighter than the sun and so intense and penetrating that Saul fell on the ground and so did everyone that was with him [Act 9:3-4; 26:13-14]. I want to recall that the Gospel of Mark 1:10, records that Jesus was baptized by John and immediately [swift action, suddenly] coming from the water, He saw heaven parting and the Holy Spirit in a dove form descended on Him. Then a voice from heaven confirmed, “You are My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Again, during transfiguration in Mark 9:7, a cloud came and overshadowed them and a voice out of the cloud said, “This is My beloved son, hear Him.” Suddenly they look around and saw no other person except Jesus and three of them. In Acts 2: 2, “And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing wind and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.”
As we begin this month of January, I pray that you will experience a sudden divine visitation. The God that visited Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden is still alive and visiting people and situations. He came with a sound as He walked into the garden in a cool of the day [Genesis 3:8]. The God of Elijah who sent fire from heaven to consume the sacrificial offerings of Elijah is not dead. He is our God even unto the end. Don’t forget that the same God of Elijah that healed Israel of her drought came with powerful sound of abundance. That sound has not ceased [1 king 18]. I therefore prophesy to you today that there is a sound of abundant rain, prosperity, healing and restoration on your way. I would claim it, if I were you. The God of Ezekiel that brought life to the dry bones is on active service; he is neither retired nor tired, he is reviving souls and giving new lives to those who believe. He is the God of suddenly.
It does not depend on how big and mighty your problems look; how resilient your enemies are or how long you have remained in your situation. Begin to look at how big and mighty your God is and your problem will begin to diminish. It does not matter how big a giant your Goliath may look, the little stone of David will penetrate his forehead. Even if your enemies breathe threats and murder like Saul, our God is our shield and fortress. He is a God of miracle, suddenly and author of victory. Expect your sudden visitation this month. Things are suddenly turning around in your favor.
Reach: Evangelist Ogbonnaya, Godswill at weefeeministries@yahoo.com or P. O. Box 720035, Houston, Texas, 77272.