There are seasons in our lives, that we feel like we have taken an unexpected detour and we wonder when our life will ever feel normal again. Especially if we are dealing with things we had no way to prepare for ahead of time. We can feel like our hopes and dreams are put on a shelf for now. Life is not always predictable, but we must find our path to navigate through it. Here are some helpful things to keep in mind along the way…

WE CAN TRUST GOD DURING DIFFICULT TIMES. Instead of trying to figure everything out on our own, we should seek God to help us overcome our fears and heal our disappointments and hurts. He will will do this if we will turn to Him for help.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; He rescues those whose spirits are crushed.” – Psalm 34: 18 (NLT)

OUR PROBLEMS CAN DRAW US CLOSER TO GOD. There are times when we don’t know how to respond to our situation. I saw an interview recently with Julie Andrews, a famous successful actress. In the interview she said both her mom and grandmother taught her that “ when you are in doubt, be still.” Instead of just over-reacting with panic, we should take some time to stop…to be still, think and pray it through.This is also when we need to seek God for clarity in our decisions as we seek His wisdom and guidance. If we will do this, we will begin to see that an obstacle becomes an opportunity for us to experience God’s direction and plans for our individual lives in a new way…

” We don’t know what to do, but our eyes are on You.” -2 Chronicles 20:12 (NIV)

“ The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand. Put your trust in the Lord. Travel steadily along His path.” – Psalm 37:23,24,34 (NLT)

TRUSTING GOD IMPLIES THAT WE GIVE HIM CONTROL OF OURSELVES AND OUR PROBLEMS. This is a very important step for us to recognize our need for His control in or lives and to trust and follow Him more than with just our own limited knowledge. We are designed for a close personal relationship with God. His ways are even better for us than our own plans. We can trust Him! What a relief for us!

“You can throw the whole weight of your anxieties upon Him, for you are His personal concern.” – 1 Peter 5:7 (Phillips Translation)

GOD CAN USE OUR EXPERIENCES TO HELP OTHERS. Max Lucado says that… “ Your pain has a purpose. Your problems, struggles, headaches, and hassles cooperate toward one end which is the glory of God.” We may not fully understand that now, but sometime in the future God can use our current experiences to help others…

“All praise to the God and Father of our Master, Jesus the Messiah! Father of all mercy! God of all healing counsel! He comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, He brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so we can be there for that person just as God was there for us.” – 2 Corinthians 1: 3-4 (The Message)