Plans are not always carried out in life. Unexpected events—a job loss, a natural disaster, a fractured relationship—can cause us to feel lost. Especially when they seem to stray us from our well chosen courses or aspirations, these diversions try our faith in God’s will. Still, as believers we are meant to rely on God even if life presents surprising events. Following God’s will calls on us to hang to faith that He is sovereign and that every action forward a goal we might not yet grasp.
Restrained God’s Authority
Although life seems disorderly, God’s sovereignty suggests He controls everything. Although we might not know the reasons of some events, we can assume that God sees the whole picture.
The Lord states Isaiah 55:8–9 “Your ideas are not mine, neither are your techniques,” he says. “My ideas are higher than yours since the heavens are higher than the earth and hence my ways are better than yours.”: – Seeing far more than we do, God weaves all things—good and bad—together for His best use.
This does not mean that every challenge or unanticipated development is easy. Conversely, knowing God is with us, guiding and protecting us even in uncertain circumstances, encourages us to discover calm in awareness of His sovereignty. Unexpected circumstances demand our belief that God owns all; we do not need all the reasons.
Joseph’s Example: God’s Direction for Turns in Life
Joseph’s story seen in the book of Genesis is a powerful example of how to follow God’s will when life strays from design. Joseph was promised a vision of leadership, but soon after his brothers sold into slavery he was falsely convicted and imprisoned. Joseph seemed to be living one letdown after another, humanistically speaking. But Joseph turned to God’s faithfulness over all diversion.
Years later, Joseph was chosen to lead Egypt, where he safely spared his family among others from famine. “You wanted to kill me, but God meant it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” Genesis 50:20 catches his point of view. Joseph’s view holds that God’s will is operative even in apparently unfavorable circumstances. Usually, his pauses and swings us in the direction of something better.
Why Unexpected Life Events Result in Personal Growth
Even although these seasons teach us patience, dependability, and perseverance, depending on God among unexpected turns can be difficult even if they usually lead in spiritual development. These could be extremely transforming years for the following:
- They become patient and resilient: Problems let one develop impatience and resilience. As we trust God across the trials of life, our faith develops, just as fire polishes gold. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance,” James 1:2–3 exhorts us. Plus Believing God under trying conditions motivates us to keep on as every challenge tries our faith.
- They Go Closer to God: Often demanding seasons force us to rely more completely on God. Our means or knowledge runs out and we discover God to be our source of strength, peace, and wisdom. This closeness with God leads us to seek Him first and trust Him more fully, therefore increasing our relationship with Him.
- They Clear Our Hearts for Will of God:
Sometimes the turns of life enable us to connect our wants and goals with God’s will. When we present our ideas to God, we let Him to run in our hearts and so develop our character and direct us towards His ultimate objective. This is how we approach the work He has allotted for us, even if it appears different from what we earlier thought.
How One Should Trust God Should Unexpected Events Change Their Life
There are feasible steps we may take to remain securely in faith even if trusting on God in times of uncertainty and change might be challenging.
Pray for Guidance and Strength
Prayer is our means of communicating to God especially in times of unexpected change. We pray our questions, fears, and disappointments; He promises to hear us. Philippians 4:6–7 advises not to be concerned about anything; but, in every situation, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, offer your requests to God. And in Christ Jesus, the peace of God—which spans all knowledge—will guard your heart and mind. We invite God’s peace to enable us to regulate our emotions so that we could most totally trust Him.
Ask God for Word Encouragement
Many of the guidelines of God’s consistency and relentless love found in Scripture come from analyzing and listening to songs that fit hope and trust allows us to equip ourselves with truth that grounds us. Psalm 37:5 counsels ” commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him; He will act”. His promises enable us to keep our minds full of His unchanging nature and help us to strengthen and reassure ourselves.
Considering Past Faithfulness
Remembering how God has guided, protected, and given for us in the past will help us to pray for His future direction. Giving His constancy enough consideration allows us to recognize He is with us and works for our welfare even under uncertain conditions.
Associated with Communities
Surrounded with a loving Christian community, it can provide perspective and hope when we feel lost. We can pray with mentors, friends, and family; they will inspire us of God’s goodness and hope that will enhance our faith.
Reacting Unexpectedly
Unexpected incidents in life inevitably set one off in a fury, fear, or even confusion. These aberrations, however, suggest that God’s will wanders off track. Often the most beautiful features of God’s creation are hidden in the unexpected, so revealing His artistry, love, and faithfulness in ways we would never have considered.
Acting in God’s will is following His timing and method. Reminds us to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”* God is moving us toward His will even if the road veers. Every unanticipated incident, every challenge, every delay strengthens a plan designed for our benefit and His glory.
Final Thought: Anticipate Unanticipated
Though life is unpredictable, God’s love and will never change. Trusting God’s plan implies, especially under uncertain and changing circumstances, trusting the One who holds our life in His hands. Every unexpected turn has a reason; he blesses every season and teaches every challenge.
When we give up our demand for control, we allow room for God’s perfect plan to come to pass. Living by His will helps us to find the pleasure, peace, and fulfillment that follow. Remember that the next time life veers off course it could be God’s invitation to trust Him more totally, to develop in faith, and to enter the larger mission He has set for you.
