When Life Doesn’t Go As Planned
Fear and anxiety are a couple of hooded robbers working in tandem to take us hostage; binding us with a three-strand rope of worry, impatience, and despair. Next, they blindfold us to what we know to be true about God, all the while robbing us of our faith and God’s peace.
I think we’ve all had multiple encounters with those “thugs,” I know I have! The past three months have been some of the hardest days of my life. Truth be told, this whole year has not gone the way I had planned it out on my 2019 vision board. I lost my Mom 3 days before Christmas, seven weeks later a beloved Aunt. There was a fractured relationship that caused as much grief as the loss of my loved ones. And then I had a stroke. God graciously allowed me to keep a speaking engagement for a weekend ladies retreat, then He gave me enough good health to take a wonderful nearly 3-week long vacation with one of my 17-year-old granddaughters. And then July hit and by the end of the month, my always healthy husband was languishing in a hospital bed with some known illnesses and some very mysterious ones. (Here’s the link to more details about what happened to Mike and how God provided “stretcher-bearers for us”.) It’s been a long road to recovery – still not there, he recently was hospitalized for the third time. I’ve found myself facing those “thugs” more times than I care to admit.
What about you? Are you struggling with fear? Anxious about a test result or ‘things’ not moving along as fast as you’d like? Might I suggest that like me, ask yourself, “when I’m fearing the future and all its unknowns, what am I not believing about God?” Us control freaks think God is supposed to work on our timetable. The reality is He’s not our slave, He’s our sovereign Lord. Every beat of my heart, every breath I breathe and then exhale, it’s all to the rhythm of His timing. Take courage, wait with hope and expectancy. His dynamic duo of goodness and mercy is following us on this journey called life. They will help us to courageously face and one day conquer fear and anxiety, enlarge our faith in God and His timeline, and shelter us safely in His peace. I haven’t arrived yet – I can’t say I’ve conquered my dealings with fear and anxiety, but I can say, God’s Word always brings me back into His loving arms where I can listen to His heartbeat of love for me. No A-Fib in the rhythm of His heart. His timing is always right.
“Wait for the LORD; Be strong, and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the LORD.” Psalm 27:14
“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” – John 14:27
“You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 26:3
“I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
Thank you for this affirmation of HIS assurance in a difficult time. I’m convince this testimony speaks loudest to those who don’t know Him. I will continue to pray for your situation. Sister love, Luwana
Thank you, Luwana.
Hm, my life hasn’t gone as planned for a long time. As I get older, although fear still like to creep in once in a while, God has given me the peace that I need to move forward. I hope that Mike will do better soon. May God give you the strength and peace to move forward.
Thank you, Iris.
I’m reminded after reading your wonderful post that when things don’t go as we plan, they most assuredly do go as God saw fit. I don’t know why we have to struggle, especially with our health, but as we trust God, He will calm our fears. And He was in control the entire time! Continued prayers for you and your hubby.
Thank you for your encouraging words and prayers, Laurie.