When the Unexpected Expects a Response...

I want to say that we've all been there...

We think life is going a certain direction and then out of the blue it took a turn that we didn't see coming and demands a response right then and there. We can feel distraught when we don't know how to respond to the unexpected. But it's funny really, because what seems unexpected to us is not unexpected to God. Scripture tells us in Isaiah 45:6-7 " so that from the rising of the sun to the place of its setting people may know there is none besides me. I am the Lord, and there is no other. I form the light and create darkness, I bring prosperity and create disaster; I, the Lord, do all these things".

Ladies, every little thing is not only allowed by God, but without ever being the author or approver of sin, every little thing is controlled and planned by God. Nothing can occur outside of His sovereign will. Isn't that amazing?! More often than not, when it comes to these unforeseen events we react in a wrong manner. Believe me, I know. I've been there. If I could tell you how many times I've reacted or spoken in a manner that did not honor God, this post would be never ending.

As Christian women, we are called to lean on the Lord and to trust in him and not on our own understanding.

Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." What we are being told is to not lean on our own conclusions based on our own perspectives. Why?

Own understanding cannot fathom the full reality of the situation. When we try to respond on our own what we typically end up with is anxiety, anger (this one I know well), heartache, fear, doubt, and other nasty stuff. We end up with everything except the two things we truly want. That is peace and joy. See, God does not want us to be anxious. He does not want us to live in fear. Rather, He wants to free us from those very things.

Look at what the following verses say:

Philippians 4: 6-7

"do not be anxious about anything, 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 understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus"

Isaiah 35:4

"Say to those who have an anxious heart, "Be strong; fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance with the recompense of God. He will come and save you""

Ephesian 4:26-27

"Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil."

Colossians 3:8-10

"But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator."

When unexpected circumstances come up, the question then is how will you respond? Will you respond in anger? Will you respond is fear? Will you respond with an anxious heart, or will you turn to the one who can give you peace that surpasses all understanding and will guard your heart (Philippians 4:6-7)?

Ladies, the way that we respond is a great opportunity to witness to those around us. It's an opportunity for us to display how we are growing and being sanctified. James 1:2-3 says "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness."

These unforeseen events are an opportunity for us to go to the Lord in prayer. When we don't know how to respond, remember what 2 Chronicles 20:12 says "We do not know what to do, our eyes are on you." If we do not know what to say, remember what Romans 8:26 says "Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words."

The unplanned is a chance for us to get closer to our Creator. It's an opportunity for us to grow in His knowledge and get to know who he is. Get to know His character. I often think about Psalm 119:71-72 "It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn Your statutes. The law of Your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces.". I know it is easier said than done. But that one thing that helps me navigate uncontrollable situations is being in the Word. My friend, take the opportunity to get to know your Creator and He will help you through the unknown.

So, what will we do when the unexpected expects a response? We will be slow speak and control our tongue (James 1:19). We will take it to prayer (Romans 8:26). And lastly, we will forgive. Yes, we must forgive. This is a mandate because God has forgiven us. Look at Ephesians 4:32 "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."

Oh my friend, the unexpected is well unexpected...

But the way we respond shouldn't be. The unexpected is a chance to exercise the fruits of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control). It's an opportunity to test our faith and to show others what Christlikeness is.