There are so many times in life when we are thrown a curveball. We think we are prepared or know what is coming next, just to be caught off guard. This happened to my family recently, in a big way.
Since October, my mom has been fighting stage 3 ovarian cancer. When she was first diagnosed, we were all shocked and worried, but then we had a plan. The doctor optimistically scheduled three chemo treatments, three weeks in between each appointment. At the end of those nine weeks, which included the Holidays, Mom would be retested and hopefully ready for surgery and then on the road to recovery.
That didn't happen... Instead, last week, she met with the doctor where we learned that though the cancer has shrunk, it hasn't become small enough for surgery. We went from cautiously optimistic that my sweet momma was one hurdle away from being better to learning that she would have three more chemo treatments, then surgery, then two more chemo treatments.
I'm not going to lie to y'all, I was floored. I didn't expect to be told that she wasn't fully healed. We had prayed as a family, I had prayed hard on my own, she had (and has) so many people praying for her regularly. God could have miraculously healed her. She could be totally better so she can babysit her grandbaby and make too many trips to Arizona to see me, but she isn't. She isn't better.
Literally as I type, she is getting chemo; it's poisoning her body to heal her. Cancer is hard to watch someone go through.
But you know the one thing that my mom says over and over again: "God is good." And He is. God is so good, even when we get hit with the unexpected. God is good even when what we think needs to happen isn't what actually does happen. Y'all, my mom is rock solid in her faith. There is no room for fear or doubt because of how much she brings God into situations. She hasn't wavered once through this whole thing. Honestly, watching her be so faithful has brought me to my knees, because I haven't been so steady; I have been angry that this beautiful, sweet woman has to battle cancer. I've been frustrated that she has to do more chemo. I've asked God why He can't make her better. We all know He is in the miracle business.
BUT God shows up with His kindness, His love, His mercy to meet us at the unexpected. He is waiting there before us to give us hope and strength before we even reach the unexpected. God is wrapping His arms around us, even as we ask Him why. He knows how we are feeling and He is pressing in still.
Friend, I don't know what unexpected things you have going on in your life, maybe it's the loss of a relationship, maybe its a diagnosis nobody wanted, maybe its the loss of a job, or maybe its the opportunity for a different job and you aren't sure if it is right for you. Whatever unexpected thing you are facing, remember God is right there with you.
Unexpected things can be hard and that's okay. You can be discouraged and that is okay! We can be hurting, disappointed, or fearful of what's to come and still have hope in the Lord. Here are a few verses that always bring me comfort in unexpected times.
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. - 2 Corinthians 4:18
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. - Psalm 23:1-4
You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely. You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. - Psalm 139:1-6
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:4-7
So friends, as we face the unexpected, let's face it head on. The best way to start coping with the unexpected is to hit your knees in prayer. Ask God for peace in the situation. Ask God for His strength to help you stand. Cry out to God when you're hurting and trust that He is drawing near to you.
Let us not lose faith, no matter what comes our way! I'm praying for you, my friend, whatever it is you're going through.
xo,
Sara
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