Haven’t you ever noticed how life seems to take a turn right when you thought you had it all figured out? Sometimes, it feels like one challenge after another hits you rapidly, leaving you to wonder, How much more can I take? When the unexpected takes you by surprise, you might rely on your faith, yet you may question: Does God not like me?
One certainty we can count on throughout history is that life is unpredictable. However, how each of us faces this uncertainty can be quite different. Will it shake your faith or strengthen it?
Unwanted and unexpected circumstances often propel us in our relationship with God in one direction or another. However, we do have a choice. #unexpectedsurprises #unexpected Share on XAt its very best, life is an adventure.
—Pam Encrement – “What Did We Expect.”
At its worst, life is a trial or a series of trials that may feel never-ending.
The Unexpected Took Me by Surprise
This year has been a whirlwind of unexpected happenings in our family. Each one has taken me by surprise like a sudden gust of wind. My plans and expectations for a winter wonderland were all shattered into pieces. I missed so many significant events, each a painful reminder of the unpredictability of life.
And right when I thought the Lord wouldn’t allow another challenging, unexpected event, He did.
I wandered through the house more than once, asking my husband, “Does God not like me? Am I a bad person? Will I become the person no one wants to be around because I breed tragedy and frequently cancel plans?”
I questioned even though the answers are evident through Scripture. It was my way of seeking reassurance and the truth.
I never questioned God’s presence, but He felt distant and silent this time, which is unusual given previous unexpected hardships.
Have you ever felt far away from the Lord when the unexpected takes you by surprise? Uncertainty is the time we must rely on what we know. God is near. Go ahead and bare your heart to Jesus even when you hear nothing in return.
God’s silence doesn’t equate to His departure.
—Maree Dee
“Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us”
(Psalm 62:8 ESV)
Embracing Life’s Uncertainty
When life takes you by surprise, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Uncertainty can be daunting, but it also presents an opportunity for growth. Embracing life’s unpredictability can lead to a deeper understanding of yourself and your faith. During challenging times, one can expect exposure to one’s true character and resilience.
When faced with unexpected events, our initial reaction might be to resist or deny the changes. However, accepting the reality of the situation is the first step towards navigating through it. Acceptance doesn’t mean resignation; it means acknowledging the challenge and deciding how to deal with it. This approach can transform our worry into action and despair into determination.
Finding Strength in Faith
For many, our faith in Jesus becomes a cornerstone during turbulent times. It’s not only a belief but a lifeline that can provide comfort, strength, and guidance when everything else seems to fall apart. By leaning into our faith, we find a renewed sense of purpose and strength that helps us navigate the storm.
Faith can be a powerful source of strength when the unexpected takes us by surprise, providing a framework for understanding and coping with life’s uncertainties. It reminds us that we are not alone and that there is a better strategy at work, even if we cannot see the Lord’s plan. Prayer, Scripture, and community worship can offer solace and perspective, helping to realign our focus and strengthen us.
Haven’t you ever been sitting in church or Bible study, and it feels like the pastor is speaking right to you as if they know what you are thinking and feeling?
However, if you feel distant from Jesus, don’t panic; instead, rely on what you know. The Lord is near and won’t abandon you. Keep seeking Him and believe He is with you at every step. Change your focus from what you feel and look around to see how He is busy working the details out in your life.
When God gets us alone through suffering, heartbreak, temptation, disappointment, sickness, or by thwarted friendship – when He gets us absolutely alone, and we are totally speechless, unable to ask even one question, then He begins to teach us.
― Oswald Chambers
The Power of Perspective
Changing your perspective can significantly impact how you handle unexpected situations. Instead of seeing challenges as obstacles, try viewing them as opportunities for personal and spiritual growth. This shift in mindset can transform your experience, turning what seems like a setback into a setup for an extraordinary comeback.
Perspective is everything when dealing with the unpredictable. You cultivate resilience and a positive outlook by choosing to see difficulties as opportunities for growth. However, the power of perspective doesn’t mean ignoring a situation’s pain or difficulty but finding meaning in its midst. Reflecting on past challenges and recognizing how they have shaped you can provide reassurance and strength.
The power of perspective doesn’t mean ignoring a situation’s pain or difficulty but finding meaning in its midst. #perspective Share on XWe Need Community
No one should have to face life’s uncertainties alone. Building a support system of family, friends, and faith community can make a significant difference. Sharing your struggles and triumphs with others can provide a sense of solidarity and encouragement. In these connections, you often find the strength to keep moving forward, knowing you are not alone in your journey.
A robust support system can also help buffer against stress in unpredictable times. Surrounding yourself with people who understand and empathize with your situation can be incredibly comforting. Whether through prayer groups, counseling, or simply spending time with people who care, these connections can offer practical advice, emotional support, and a reminder of your resilience.
Don’t face life’s uncertainties alone; build a support system. #support #neveralone Share on XPractical Steps When the Unexpected Takes You by Surprise
Stay Grounded
Develop a daily routine that includes practices like prayer, meditation, or journaling to keep you centered. These practices help maintain a sense of normalcy and stability.
Even when God feels distant, don’t abandon meeting with Him.
Seek Direction
Don’t hesitate to seek counsel from trusted advisors, pastors, mentors, or counselors. Their insights can provide clarity and direction when you feel lost.
Focus on What You Can Control
While you can’t control everything, you can manage how you respond to situations. Focus on taking proactive steps rather than getting caught up in what’s beyond your control. This proactive approach can reduce feelings of helplessness.
Count Those Blessings
Keeping a gratitude journal can help shift your focus from what’s going wrong to what’s going right. You will also begin to see that God is moving in the midst of your circumstances. Recognizing small and grand blessings can provide a more positive outlook. Look and record what the Lord is doing. Daily gratitude practices can reframe your mindset and highlight the positives in your life.
Take Care of Yourself
Ensure you look after your physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Although this is hard when you’re in the midst of the unexpected, self-care is crucial in maintaining resilience. This practice might include regular exercise, a healthy diet, sufficient rest, and activities that nourish your soul. Be creative. While sitting at the bedside of a loved one, make sure you’re moving by taking regular breaks and walking around.
What other practical steps do you take when the unexpected takes you by surprise?
We Have a Choice When Life is Unpredictable
Life’s unpredictability is a universal experience, but how we respond makes all the difference. Will you embrace uncertainty as part of the journey? Whether facing trials that test your faith or moments that fortify it, remember you have a choice. Embrace uncertainty as a part of the journey, and let it deepen your relationship with God and your understanding of yourself. After all, it is through navigating the unexpected that we often find our greatest strength and resilience.
Life’s unpredictable nature can be daunting but offers profound growth and transformation moments. Embracing the unexpected with faith, a positive perspective, a strong support system, and practical self-care strategies can lead to a deeper, more resilient self.
As you journey through life’s twists and turns, remember that you are not alone; every challenge is an opportunity to grow and strengthen your faith. Share on X
Grace and Truth Christian Link-Up Each Friday
Welcome to Grace and Truth: A Weekly Christian Blog Link-Up! Our mission is simple: to spread Jesus’ message through the power of words.
Meet Your Grace & Truth Hosts
Please welcome our new hosts, Yyvonne Morgan and Lynn Simpson. I am thrilled to have them join me in hosting our wonderful Link-Up. Check out their websites and social media channels and discover when they will feature your posts. While we’d love for you to follow all of our hosts on their blogs and social media, it’s totally up to you.
Yvonne Morgan
Blog | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Twitter
Lynn J Simpson
Blog | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Twitter
Maree Dee | Embracing the Unexpected
Blog | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Twitter
Now Let’s Link-Up
If you need the details and rules for our blog link-up, click here. Also, don’t forget to check our Pinterest board to see if one of your posts is featured.
Join our community of writers and readers at our Grace & Truth Christian Blog Link-Up as we uplift and inspire one another. #graceandtruth #graceandtruthbloglinkup #christianbloglinkup Share on X
Blog Post Series
Join Maree Dee on a journey through the art of embracing the unknown. Despite the chaos and unpredictability around us, beauty and joy are always waiting to be uncovered. Don’t miss a single insightful moment. Catch up on missed posts and discover even more on our series page. Let’s dive in together.
Mental Health Awareness Month
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and Embracing the Unexpected | Maree Dee is honored to present campaigns, share resources, and engage in discussions to make a difference.
Will you show your support by participating in one or more of the activities on our page?
May our faith not fail us in trying times! Thanks for this encouragement. Many blessings to you!
Thank goodness we have a God, who won’t fail us. Thank you for stopping by. I hope you’re having a great weekend. Maree
My husband and I were discussing Romans 5 at lunch. That inspiring and scary part about what comes before “hope” —tribulation, perseverance, character. But the hope that follows won’t disappoint. Welcome to the new hosts!
Beautifully said, Deb. You are so right the hope that follows will not disappoint. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Maree
Glad to see you have community again with co-hosts of this linkup, Maree! Yvonne and Lynn are great choices.
Yes, I am so glad Yvonne and Lynn are joining me. Miss you as a host too. Maree