Expecting the Unexpected
The sun has finally broke through the clouds to make the day more bright. Today has ended up being a more restful and “catch up” day than I anticipated. I’m not sure if it was a restless night or just the need for more rest than what I have required this week. So it looks like my workout day will be at home as I prepare for the weekend services a Timberline. I will have the opportunity to pray at the end of the service for those who are dealing with the unexpected, setbacks or crisis in their lives.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?….in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us…. [nothing] will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:35,37,39
As we look at familiar verses and promises in God’s Word, we re reminded that the reality of those promises is only experienced when the unexpected comes, when the crisis happens. When tribulations, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, danger…..come they can make us “feel” separated from God’s love. These times and circumstances test the meddle of our faith and trust and focus.
As I near my first anniversary date for my return home from the hospital, I am reflecting on some aspects of life and the “unexpected.”
1 – The Unexpected is part of life.
We understand that, we just don’t expect it to happen to us! No one expects to get a cancer diagnosis, have a health crisis, be in an accident, have a family crisis, have something happen to their children. We plan for the unexpected to a degree when we buy life insurance, when businesses establish succession plans – we just don’t believe they will ever be needed. And for a vast number of people they aren’t. But it doesn’t mean people don’t experience the unexpected lay-off or other financial crisis. An acquaintance of mine is still working in his late 70’s because of a financial loss occurred through a much publicized company scandal. Through no fault of his own, his plans for a less active retirement were changed.
2 – The Unexpected is a challenge.
Decisions must be made, priorities reassessed, schedules are changed, additional expenses can come when income is diminished. These are just some of the logistics of dealing with crisis. Then there is the challenge of just “dealing with the crisis.” The toll on emotions, family members and others in our circle of relationships can be significant.
When I reflect on my illness and hospitalization, it is difficult for me to comprehend the toll and challenge faced by my family. There was not only the concern for what was happening to me, but the challenge of rearranging schedules and jumping in to handle even day to day matters of the house and paying bills. From my perspective is seemed there was a much happening around me as their was happening to me.
When facing the challenge of the unexpected help is needed. Crisis is a time to open your life, not “circle the wagons” and shut yourself off and “go it alone.” That was one area where Debbie acted decisively and with wisdom.
Psychiatrist Victor Frankl said, “When we are not longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.”
3 – The Unexpected is a test.
For the record, I hate tests! But when a crisis comes it presents a test; a test that must be faced and it is a test that must be passed. This of course is more of a “pop quiz” because you don’t know when it is coming.
The unexpected is a test of our trust in the Lord. Our trust in God’s love, God’s provision, God direction and God’s ability to help us to deal with the challenge before us. Author Mary Engelbreit said, “If you don’t like it change it; if you can’t change it; change the way you think about it.” The Lord can help us with that – and sometimes that is the greatest miracle.
Proverbs 3:5,6 applies to these situations more than we recognize, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
The unexpected can test our ways and our will. Crisis calls for change and change is difficult. Sometimes it is helpful to evaluate our thoughts and feelings by replacing “can’t” with “won’t.”
- I can’t let others help me….I won’t let others help me
- I can’t let go of_______ (????) I won’t let go of _______(????)
- I can’t deal with this! I won’t deal with this!
- I can’t forgive. I won’t forgive
I believe you get the point. When we say we believe with Paul, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” (Phil. 4:13) we will find that the unexpected tests how extensive our belief in “all things” really is. Often the miracle the Lord brings to our crisis is how He changes us in our situation and provides us the strength and peace beyond our ability.