How To Plan For The Unexpected
Have you ever said, “If it’s not one thing it’s another!”?
I definitely have. Life has a way of throwing unexpected blows. But what if I told you that you can prepare for the unexpected.
Like you, I have experienced unexpected obstacles and have asked, “Why?” on more than one occasion. Sometimes our journey can look like adversity after adversity, but I have learned that obstacles can be a perfect tool for building my character.
I remember a time of walking through an extremely hard season. It was so tough that I thought the suffering would never end. How did I handle it? I decided to play a game of, “Let’s Make A Deal” with God. You’ve been there too. LOL! I thought I could bargain with God. I told Him that I would forfeit any and all promises of blessings that He desired for me in exchange for the relief of my current suffering. In the midst of my heartfelt cry and anguish, this was the only way out. But then I heard him clearly ask, “Are my people not worth it?”.
In that moment it was a true sounding alarm. What if some of the things that I would push through could help others push through? What if I chose to look at my obstacle as a turning point for growth instead of drowning in another song of, “woe is me”? I truly believe that some of the most difficult situations that we face will build stamina and strength in us. Friends, however uncomfortable or challenging the situation you are facing is... it is not meant to destroy you, but to grow you!
We will never be able to avoid the unexpected, but we can be ready to conquer it.
Here are some points I have found to be helpful:
Change your focus
How you see it will determine how you respond to it. When faced with challenges, it’s important to take a step back and assess your pattern of thinking first. Are you seeing the situation as insurmountable? Or is this something you can overcome?
The manner in which you view yourself, your situation and others will guide how you react and respond. Don’t ignore what’s in front of you, but ask what can I learn from it? What character trait is being developed and defined in me? How can I turn this test into a testimony?
You might ask…"La-Kita, what if my circumstances stem from something I had zero control over”? You might have been recently laid off, or you were passed over for a job that you thought you were qualified for. Or you were hurt as a direct result of someone else’s actions. All these things are terrible, and although it may be tempting; do not get stuck in your emotions. You must change your pattern of thinking. In the middle of the hurt and frustration, you must see the potential opportunity. Every obstacle is a building block in the obstacle course of life. Your ability to overcome adversity will increase your endurance, and build a contagious and undeniable courage. Hear me when I say this...You weren’t built to give up, you were built to last!
Choose Your Attitude
That’s right YOU have the power to determine if you will be positive or negative. Don’t allow people or your current situation to determine your attitude. When negative thoughts come, shut them down right away! So when the day starts off wrong or you have an unexpected situation, tell those toxic thoughts, “you came to the wrong house”! Be bold in the knowledge that no person or circumstance has the right to control your feelings and thoughts. Declare that your faith has given you the courage to tackle all seemingly impossible situations. Be bold knowing that God is always with you. You never have to face a mountain on your own. Choose to be courageous!
Choose to live in community, not isolation
Don’t make isolation your home. Don’t listen to the lie that you are all alone when faced with the unexpected. God created us to support and encourage each other. We were never created to walk in isolation, but to live in community. Our feelings will tell us that we are the only ones that have ever walked this narrow dark road.
Don’t be led by your feelings. Do not allow shame or pride to stop you from getting the counsel you need. Take confidence in the Word of God which says, “I will never leave you nor forsake you”. Trust that He is a proven help in trouble and is always available when you need Him. Also seek counsel from a trusted advisor. I have found that counsel in scripture, through mentors and leaders have helped me put things in proper perspective when I felt conflicted. Surround yourself with a tribe that will support and challenge you to be the best you even in the most difficult situations.
See every unexpected obstacle as an opportunity and investment in your life long purpose. Look at your obstacle and say “defeat is not an option!!!”. Continue to move forward!
La-Kita
What’s your biggest takeaway from today’s post? Share in the comments.