What do you do when unexpected difficulties crop up in your life? When life throws you a curve ball, how do you respond?

This question became more real to us recently when a member of our family was discovered to have a potentially serious health issue that really came out of nowhere. The funny thing is, this was a family member who by all outward appearances was in the best physical shape of all of us, so it came as a complete surprise. We are still processing and walking through this issue even as I write this post.

So, how are we handling it? Well, we are concerned, but hopeful. If you asked the particular family member who is having the issue, they would say that they are anxious and a bit fearful, but yet, they have a peace as to the outcome, knowing that God is in control.

Although we were shocked and unprepared for this difficult news, we did not cry out in anger to God, asking, “Why us?” or fall completely apart fearing the worst possible outcome. Why not? Because we have a deep faith and trust in the one who made us, the one who loves us with an everlasting and abiding love.

We know several things from scripture: God cares about us so much that he knows the number of hairs on our very heads, trials are inevitable and are meant to make us more like Him, and God has numbered our days on this earth; when we go, those of us who know Jesus as our Savior will meet Him in heaven and sit at his feet.

You, too, can have this peace in the midst of trials and the assurance that even when walking through the darkest valley, God will never leave you. All you need do is come to Christ in repentance and faith, asking him to be your Savior and the Lord of your life.

God’s Word assures us that we will face difficulties of all kinds in this fallen world. No one is exempt. However, we can use these difficult events in our lives as opportunities…opportunities to renew our relationship with the Lord, to re-engage with God’s mission in the world, to restructure our priorities, or to reevaluate our personal relationships. You see, many times God is trying to get our attention when things like this happen and we need only to discover what he is trying to say.

In addition, when we walk through trials and struggles as a Christian family, we are not doing it in a vacuum. The world is watching our response…wondering if we will be angry at God, lose our faith, or turn on each other as the stress and pressure mount. Trials are an opportunity for our family and yours to reflect an abiding and unwavering faith to the lost world, as we humbly seek God for wisdom, comfort, and peace.