When Things Happen Suddenly

Doesn’t it seem that so much of what happens to us in this life is unexpected? You can plan all you want, and there’s no guarantee it will happen. Some surprises we get are welcome, like when a baby is on the way, or winning or inheriting some money we didn’t know about, getting a promotion, or excelling at a test we were worried about. The list goes on and on. And then there’s not so good things that may happen to us all in a row — a flat tire, the roof in our house leaks, taxes or interest rates go up, or we have an emergency dental problem and no insurance to pay for it! Sometimes there will be a sudden death, or a sudden physical issue that we must deal with.

These latter unexpected things shake up our world, and we are so momentarily stunned, that we don’t know how to handle it, or what to do. We may go into shock or panic mode, or we may start crying, and quickly sink into despair, and perhaps depression. We search for a quick way out of our troubles, and can’t seem to find one.  After a time, we (hopefully) remember to pray, and then hope that God will help us, and bestow favor on us.

Recently, I had a couple of falls that really shook me up. The last one I’m still healing from; I hurt my left shin quite badly when I fell and landed on it. The first few days were the worst, but it still bothers me and may take awhile yet to heal completely. Then I’ve had dental issues, and a few times I’ve lost an expensive crown at the most inconvenient times. Some have had to be re-done and some re-cemented. It has always happened suddenly, and made it difficult at times, to chew properly. Nevertheless, I consider myself a person of strong faith, and I have seen God work miracles, and heal me many times. But when things happen suddenly, I struggle to hold on and think of verses that will help me through the immediate crisis.

Recently, something happened to me suddenly, and I prayed really hard. I asked God what to do in such a situation.  Here is what He gave me:

Psa 112:7  He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD.

Psa 112:8  His heart is established, he shall not be afraid, until he see his desire upon his enemies.

This is the time to hold onto the Lord and His promises, and not waver. The fear and the shock will pass when we let go, and take the firm grip of the Lord’s hand, and let Him be there for us in all His fullness. I pictured walking across a rickety bridge, and underneath are rushing water and rocks. But the Lord is with me, holding me tight, and He won’t let me fall. He will see me safely across that rickety bridge, and take me through all of life’s storms. I don’t have to worry!

Deu 33:27  The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them.

He is our Super God, and none can compare with Him. We think of the fictitious Superman, who goes out to stop evil and save those in distress. Well, our God is MUCH MUCH MORE powerful and loving than any super hero. But, like the example of the superheroes, when we call on Him, He is immediately there to rescue us without hesitation, and He wants to!

Pro 3:25  Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh.

Pro 3:26  For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.

The secret to our victory when things happen suddenly, is to take a deep breath, and just let all the negative emotions and thoughts pass through one ear and out the other. Don’t let them stay in your thoughts and fester. Close your mind to any negative thoughts that are reaching beyond your current situation, i.e. - what will happen now because of this? Do not make a mountain out of a molehill (not trying to downgrade the situation, but things are never as bad as they seem at the moment). Trust in God’s promises; read the many Psalms; start with Chapter 1 and just keep reading through — they’re a great faith builder!

With all your might and strength, get busy doing something good for someone else. This will activate your faith and draw an invisible wall of protection around you to keep you safe from all of Satan’s attacks. Do not focus on the problem. Do not focus on self. Do not focus on an uncertain future.  Focus on God and His many promises!

Go over the following verses:

Php 4:6  Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Php 4:7  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Php 4:8  Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Php 4:9  What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. ESV

Make sure you pray until you have peace. Strive for peace. God will give you peace in the midst of any storm that suddenly comes up. Take a look at this account of Jesus with the disciples during a storm on the sea.

Mar 4:35  And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side.

Mar 4:36  And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships.

Mar 4:37  And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.

Mar 4:38  And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?

Mar 4:39  And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

Mar 4:40  And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?

Do you believe He will do the same for you in your storm? When Jesus says, “Peace be still,” your storm has to obey, and settle down, be calm, and it will! When the Master speaks, things happen.

Whatever you may be going through today, or in the days to come, if you know Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior, and you put your trust in Him, you never have to fear anything happening suddenly to you in this life. You’re not alone. The Lord is always with You, waiting and willing to calm your storm, and bring you safely through it to the other side.

Heb 13:5b for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.