Positively Navigating the Unexpected

In the past six weeks I have encountered some circumstances that I can honestly say were completely unexpected. I feel confident that many of you reading this are right there with me, nodding your head in agreement with a recent unexpected story of your own. Although we’d all like to feel as if we were personally directing the course of our paths, if we were honest, I think we would admit there are times in life, many to be exact, when unexpected circumstances beyond our control come barging into our lives quite suddenly.

I didn’t see that coming…

Just recently, less than two weeks ago to be exact, I had one incredibly unexpected day. After two days of not feeling well, I decided to go to the walk-in clinic. From there I was sent to a standalone ER for a CT Scan. This led to a dramatic ambulance ride to the hospital for an appendectomy, (I guess If you have to go to the hospital you might as well make a scene of it, right?) But in all seriousness, everything transpired so fast and my mind was reeling, What? How in the world did this happen? What is the purpose of an appendix anyway? How did mine become infected? Receiving answers to my questions is no longer relevant or desired. I’m blessed to report that I’m healing daily and I’m only grateful. My point is there are times in life, many to be exact, when unexpected circumstances beyond our control come barging into our lives quite suddenly, and when not if they do, it is critical to be prepared in advance to respond appropriately with faith, hope, and yes even gratefulness.

Expect the Unexpected…

This is not a negative, half glass full mentality statement, but rather a sobering, biblical reality. Recorded throughout scripture are many verses and biblical narratives that are incredibly helpful and even comforting in mentally processing and rightly responding to the unexpected. While Jesus did say that He came to give us abundant life, (John 10:10), He never declared that our journey with Him would be predictable or trouble-free, rather quite the contrary…

 

The words of Jesus…

“…Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NLT)

As I read the words of Jesus, I remember that the Christian life is not one of ease. For that matter, life on earth wasn’t even easy for Him, so how much less for me? And further, I am reminded that my, (our) expectation must never rest in our circumstances, whether good, bad or in-between. While we cannot expect a problem-free, 24/7 sunny skies life, we can trust in and expect the following…

We Can Expect that God will always be with us. (Matthew 28:18)

We Can Expect that our current circumstances are momentary and fleeting. (2 Corinthians 4:17)

And finally We Can Expect that one day God will absolutely make all things new and all things right. (Revelation 21:4, Isaiah 25:8)

And until that time, we are exhorted to take heart, (NLT) be courageous, (AMP) be brave, (GNT) and even to be of good cheer, (KJV).

Another verse to consider…

The words of the Apostle Peter:

Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world. 1 Peter 4:12,13 (NLT)

This verse grounds my thoughts in two specific ways. First it reinforces the fact that unforeseen circumstances are not unusual or abnormal, instead they are a part of life in an imperfect world, and therefore are to be expected. Second, it reminds me that although I cannot always determine my circumstances, I absolutely can choose my response to my circumstances. And joy is always a praiseworthy, God-honoring response. To be clear, the joy that is mentioned in this verse is not based on external happiness, but rather on an internal peace and an eternal perspective. Lastly, this verse does not suggest that you shouldn’t acknowledge reality in the face of challenging seasons and hurtful events when they occur. Rather the exhortation is to turn our focus, energy and attention on the good that God can and does bring from adversity in our lives.

Allow these words to wash over your heart and spirit…

And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose. Romans 8:28

Contained in this incredibly significant verse are some of the most absolutely beautiful, comforting and encouraging truths regarding the unexpected things in life. As finite and fragile creatures we are only able to see what is directly in front of us, and because of this, our present reality looms large and appears to be dictating our circumstances. But the truth that we absolutely must know with all confidence and remain completely assured of is this…

The God of the Universe is in control of all things. He is sovereignly ruling over the affairs of all of His children, and He is intimately acquainted with and continually overseeing every detail of their lives. He doesn’t make mistakes. He doesn’t change His mind. He is God and He is good. In addition, He never wastes our tears, our pain, our hurt, our injustices, or our adversities. Instead He purposefully allows and uses all of our life experiences; both those we joyfully embrace as well as those we’d much rather avoid, and He lovingly transforms them into power agents for good, further molding us into His image.

And in light of these truths we never lose hope, heart or faith….

In closing I have outlined four thought-provoking considerations recorded in Romans 8. By way of inquiry, the Apostle Paul extends an invitation for all who will, to consider the following from the perspective of God’s sovereignty and great love for His people…

Paul’s questions…

1. …If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31 (ESV)

2. He who did not spare his own Son…how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Romans 8:32 (ESV)

3. Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect?…. Romans 8:33 (ES)

4. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? (Romans 8:35)

Take a moment to personalize these questions by substituting the underlined word with the word me, and then respond by verbalizing your answers out loud before you continue reading.

Paul’s confident response…

No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.”

This my friends is our glorious hope and reason for confidence at all times, in every situation, through all circumstances and in every season. These are the foundational truths that serve as an anchor for our soul to help us positively navigate the unexpected. And although we will all at one time or another face circumstances we honestly didn’t see coming, even and especially then we can confidently expect through the truth of God’s Word that He will be with us, and nothing, no not anything, could or ever will separate us from His love.

For Reflection…

How does the realization that God is sovereign over every detail of your life bring you peace and confidence?

What does it mean to you to know that nothing in all the world can ever separate you from God’s love?

What scriptures will you commit to memory to help you prepare to navigate the unexpected of life?

Close this sacred time in prayer thanking God for His Presence with you, protection over you and love for you.