Three Steps to Survive Life's Surprises

 

            The difference between what you expect and what you get can be surprising. We once took a three-day April vacation in the Pocono Mountains expecting to see a show, take leisurely boat rides and relax by a lakeside. Instead, we faced chill winds and attractions still closed from winter. We spent a few minutes by a lakeside—when swarming May flies allowed.

            But the biggest problem came from workmen doing renovations. Buzz saws and heavy equipment clogged the pathway to our car. Truck drivers had to back up so we could drive out for breakfast.

            When we checked out, I asked if someone could transport our luggage to our car on a golf cart, since we had to park a distance from our room. I also mentioned that our stay had been challenging.

            Then came the surprise: They tore up our bill.

            I certainly had no such intent when I complained. I certainly had a right to mention the inconveniences we suffered. But—surprise! They tore up our bill!

            Life in general is full of surprises. Some good. We inherit money from a long-lost relative (I wish). We win a trip to the Bahamas on “Wheel of Fortune” (I wish).

            But some bad. Who expects accidents? Or deaths? Who expects COVID-19 to keep us penned in our homes for months? We DON’T wish for such things.

            We have no problem handling the good, but how do we survive the bad surprises--the lightning strikes, the disappointments, the rejections?

Keep Trusting:

            Joshua and Caleb brought back a good report when sent to spy out the Promised Land. Ten other spies brought back bad reports, scared off by giants that lived in the land. Because they didn’t trust God they were doomed to wander in the wilderness for 40 years and die there. Joshua and Caleb wandered with them—for 40 years. But you never read that the two grumbled. They simply kept trusting God, and eventually they entered the Promised Land (Numbers 14).

I’ve clung to scripture when I’ve faced a wilderness: “’I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord. ‘Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV). I pasted that scripture to the front of my computer, and eventually God brought me through. He will bring you through too.

            And there are always nice surprises along the way. For instance, COVID has sent us into a wilderness and forced us to relate to our families in different ways. But we have appreciated each other more and learned to care for one another in different ways. Surprise!

Keep Talking (to God):

            Jesus told the parable of a widow who kept pleading with a judge to grant her justice, and the judge finally gave in simply because she kept pestering him (Luke 18:1-8). Have you ever given up on something you’ve prayed for? I have. But God wants us to keep dialoguing with Him about our needs. Let’s revive some old prayer requests and watch for a surprise.

Keep Trying:

            God directed the prophet Elijah to go to a widow at Zarephath for food. He found her gathering sticks to make a last meal for herself and her son. Yet Elijah asked her to first make him a small loaf of bread. So she did. She then found she had enough flour and oil to feed herself and her son until a drought ended (1 Kings 17). The widow did what she could, and God did the rest. Much in life requires trying. And trying. And trying. Whether it’s at a job (like writing) or relationships (like raising kids) or just getting through an illness, it requires effort on our part. And God blesses our efforts. He will see us through. And watch for the surprises!

Wrap Up:

            Life challenges us. But we need never give up. God makes a way for us to get to the finish line, even if we have to crawl. He is faithful. And always full of surprises.