Each of us encounters moments that catch us off guard. The phone rings and we receive news we didn’t anticipate. An important meeting takes a hard left turn. Our spouse starts an unwanted conversation. A routine trip to the doctor reveals something concerning. There are few “unexpecteds” in life that lead us to jump for joy—instead, unanticipated circumstances usually produce emotional turmoil. After the initial shock, we must make personal adjustments to navigate situations we didn’t foresee or desire.
When life changes in a blink, we rarely see our new reality to our benefit. The “opportunity” before us doesn’t feel like a gift—it feels like a storm cloud destined to deliver strong winds, floods, and lighting bolts. After all, acclimating to our new circumstances may be an arduous process that costs us dearly, and we may have done nothing to invite our shifting sands.
Now we “get” to work through fear, doubt, anger, or grief. We have a “new chance” to learn to live with less (e.g. decreased income or a smaller family support system). We have a “fresh opportunity” to extend forgiveness (an especially tall order if the offender isn’t sorry). Or we happen upon a “new season” of learning how to suffer well (living with a compromised body while life’s responsibilities remain intact).
Yes, challenging circumstances result in personal hardship. We may have to let go of a job, home, savings account, or loved one. While difficult, God does not want the pain of our earthly scenarios to detract us from the opportunity to walk with Him through them.
Our circumstances may never be made right, but we can mature in Christ despite them (and sometimes, because of them). Unpleasant seasons of life create opportunities for constructive change. The blessing that comes from hardship is rarely buried in the circumstance. Rather, it’s a fruit that is born as we attempt to offer time and energy to our relationship with God—the very resources our hardship demands. Growth comes as we broaden our perspective, seeking God’s line of sight.
3 LESSONS TO TAKE FROM FACING UNEXPECTED CHALLENGES
Here are three ways we can promote God’s perspective when the going gets tough...
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