Thus far, has the new year handed you something unexpected?
Just in my sphere I know those recovering from heart surgery or heart attack, two who are trusting God through severe persecution, one waiting for a diagnosis, several racing toward death, and those mired in grief.
Personally, I just passed the second anniversary of Jim’s death. In some ways, two years feels like a long time. In other ways, the shock seems as fresh and intense as it did two years ago this month. Yet, I am able to sustain forward motion with the encouragement and support of friends and family, and God-given comfort and peace.
What are you currently facing that blindsided you?
Consider the following on dealing with the unexpected:
Accepting the Waiting
Living in limbo is hard. Human nature pushes us to zoom forward, to make something happen instead of resting in waiting. We long for what is difficult to disappear rapidly. Yet, it is in the waiting that we grow, change, and strengthen our trust muscles.
Learning through the Trial
When you encounter the unexpected, do you grit your teeth and fume about the injustice of it all, or do you look for what you can learn as you deal with it? Most of us choose the first. Learning from the unexpected is the last thing we want, preferring to have the situation end instead of looking for anything positive about it.
Quieting Fears
Fear is the unhappy companion of the unexpected. Fears arise and magnify the situation. Our minds careen toward all the scary what-ifs, sapping energy and stealing peace. Trust is the antidote for fear, not trust in yourself and your abilities, but belief that God can work in your circumstances. No matter what transpires, God will help you move through this season of life.
Hardship is Only for a Season
When you are navigating the unexpected, it’s hard to remember the seasonal nature of hardship. In the same way seasons come and go, so the unexpected becomes bearable. Eventually, the impossible resolves. Something changes that provides hope and peace and you move forward, confident that God is making a way.
Praise Despite the Unplanned
How is it possible to praise God when you are in the middle of something unplanned and unwanted? Sometimes, it’s not easy, but if you review other times of difficulty, you are reminded of God’s faithfulness.
If the unexpected was an unwanted “gift” with the new year, decide to learn, grow, and trust as you wait, moving slowly, bravely through these days.
“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand” (Isaiah 41:10 NLT).
©CandyArrington
Candy Arrington is an award-winning writer, blogger, and speaker. She often writes on tough topics with a focus on moving through, and beyond, difficult life circumstances. Candy has written hundreds of articles, stories, and devotions published by numerous outlets including: Inspiration.org, Arisedaily.com, CBN.com, Healthgrades.com, Care.com, Focus on the Family, NextAvenue.org, CountryLiving.com, and Writer’s Digest. Candy’s books include Life on Pause: Learning to Wait Well (Bold Vision Books), When Your Aging Parent Needs Care (Harvest House), and AFTERSHOCK: Help, Hope, and Healing in the Wake of Suicide (B&H Publishing Group).
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