How to Deal with the Unexpected

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bible reading challenge day 94

Certain times come into our lives that bear no surprises.

We saw it coming.

We expected the job layoff- everyone else was getting laid off. It was simply our turn.

Or we thought that car was going to break down because it was paid off and had needed no repairs for the last five years. (Ok, two years.) Still- no huge surprise.

The tax increase on the house had been anticipated- it was just a matter of the assessment taking place.

Some of the trials of life are easily expected as they lurk in the foreground- and this makes them a bit more manageable in some respects.

Though certain hardships are just.plain.tough. No matter how far you know in advance.

Then, that other category sneaks up on us.

You know the one- the unexpected.

The surprise that wasn’t so sweet. The news that was far from pleasant. 

The phone call that sent a panic into our veins.

Can I pause for a moment to tell you I’ve experienced a few of those in my life?

They aren’t pretty.
They come from nowhere and before you know it, you’ve been blindsided. You didn’t see it coming and it’s too late to attempt to do anything about it. The injury has been sustained. The news has been delivered. The clock has struck and there is no turning back the time to yesterday.

Your body feels like it has been slammed to the ground.

Your breath and life have been taken from you- yet you still breathe and live.

Your spirit is wounded and dried up to the point of feeling nonexistent yet the ache does not go away. You can hardly believe it is true.

In moments like these, my go-to book of the Bible is Psalms. David’s pleas with God reflect my heart’s alarm like nothing else can and when I bask in the presence of the Word of the Lord, this is where I learn how to deal with the unexpected.

how to deal with the unexpected

Today I’m giving you 5 Biblical truths to claim when you need to know how to deal with the unexpected.

1. God knows the best place for me in this moment.

For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock. Psalm 27:5

2. God will provide His strength to get me through this situation.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Psalm 46:1-3

3. God will hear me when I pray to Him.

In my distress I called upon the LORD; to my God I cried for help. From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears. Psalm 18:6

4. God has worked wonders in the past and will do it again.

I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. You are the God who works wonders; you have made known your might among the peoples. Psalm 77:11&14

5. God has a plan for everything that happens in our lives.

The steps of a man are established by the LORD, when he delights in his way;though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the LORD upholds his hand. Psalm 37:23

As the Utimate Environmentalist from the beginning of time, God always turns trash into treasure.

trash to treasure

 

Do you have a Biblical truth you cling to when dealing with the unexpected?

I’d love to read about it in the comments below!

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12 Comments

  1. just trying to process through what to do next ……starting to memorize Ephesians 3:14-21

  2. Needed this reminder Rachel! Lots of balls in the air that I’m trying to catch, feels like they’re glass balls that are going to shatter if I can’t catch them all. How I often forget that God is waiting for me to seek Him & ask Him to help me. Why do I continue to try & get through this on my own??!! I’m loving this verse right now:
    Jeremiah 17:7-8
    “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”

    1. Wonderful verse! Oh goodness, I know that feeling of such a fragile life balance. Bless you!

  3. “Cease striving and know that I am God” Psalm 46:10. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Phil 4:6-7. “For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the live of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord,” From 8:38-39. These are my fav verses when I am stressed or burdened. Thank you for sharing yours. God has provided abundantly for us in His Word, comfort, hope, & joy!!!

  4. Thank you for this post! We are facing a pending job change for my husband (our family income), and I know God has it in His hands. Sweet to read your reminders of trusting in Him and praying as we go! Blessings to you as we ALL have unexpected things happen daily!

  5. Psalms 5:11-12
    But let all who take refuge in You rejoice;
    let them shout for joy forever.
    May You shelter them,
    and may those who love Your name boast about You.
    For You, Lord, bless the righteous one;
    You surround him with favor like a shield.

  6. “As the Utimate Environmentalist from the beginning of time, God always turns trash into treasure.” Now there’s a biblical truth to remember!
    When difficulties descend, I remind myself that the Lord is there with me, even when it doesn’t feel like it. He is always faithful and trustworthy. Great reminders, Rachel.

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