Why does it seem like disaster or disappointments strike suddenly? That’s what seems to have happened a few years ago to the trainer of the newest Kentucky Derby winner when he lost twenty-three of his horses to a fire caused by lightening. He even thought it might be a sign to abandon a training career altogether. His present horse, Rich Strike, was bought at a low-level claiming race for $30,000.

But not all ‘suddenly’ moments are calamitous.

The morning of Friday, May 6, 2022, at 8:45 a.m. the call came; there were no scratches. Since only twenty horses could make the run for the roses, the clock was about to strike nine on the twenty-first horse, Rich Strike, leaving him out of the 148th Kentucky Derby. His security guard was sent home and plans for another race the next week were already in the works.

Suddenly, a second call came at 8:55 a.m. with word not to move the horse. A moment later another call came making Rich Strike’s entry official.

The biggest hurdle overcome, of actually being in the race at all, was followed by having to start from the difficult No. 20 far outside post position. There wasn’t much to talk about the horse’s run before the stretch when “suddenly” the rail opened up. The jockey then rode Rich Strike into horse racing history on their very first try.

Some centuries back, there was a young shepherd who was in the far outside post position tending sheep. All the odds favorite entries were David’s older brothers because Jesse thought his youngest son was a long shot at a run for the crown. David was an unknown to the prophet Samuel until his seven brothers were ‘scratched’ from the race after they failed “the heart-of-one-who-runs-after-God’s” test. Suddenly, Samuel made the call and David wore the garland of a future king.

At my age, I sometimes think our Father has put me out to pasture so there’s no use waiting for a call up.

Don’t know why, but after a good start I allow my thoughts to get bumped off the Truth rail by a negative suddenly. After all, He told us long ago what was going to take place. Then suddenly, He took action and indeed it all happened. Like when Our Father said His mercy and goodness will chase after the one whose heart listens and obeys then, suddenly, the rich strike of His blessings overtake them. (Galatians 5:7; Isaiah 48:3; Psalm 23:6; Deuteronomy 28:2)

Suddenly, my heart hears His call; “Come talk to me.” My heart is responding, “Yahweh, I’m coming!”