Dealing with Life's Circumstances

Gloria Calhoun, M.Ed.

There is a saying that, "when life gives you lemons, make lemonade".  One things for certain, the lemons of life will come, but do you have what it takes to make the best of it?

The year 2019 went out with a bang. I remember thinking to myself that the year ended peacefully and uneventfully. As we celebrated the new year, my family prayed and rejoiced together that God spared us and there were no tragedies or serious situations that we had to face. A few weeks later, life began to deal several jabs. The coronavirus hit the world hard.  It felt like an upper cut to the jaw and a low blow to the gut as circumstances began to unfold one thing after the next.

Perhaps you've been given lemons and have experienced unexplained and unexpected situations that left you scratching your head to wonder why. Whether it was a break up, divorce, death of someone close to you, loss of job, or a bad doctors report; things happen. If you haven't gone through anything, just keep living. No one is ever really prepared for tragedy or a traumatic event to take place. It generally just happens and many times it happens unexpectedly.  

As Christians we believe in salvation through the confession of our faith. Being "saved" does not mean that you are exempt from things happening in your life. However, we have the assurance knowing that we have a higher power who helps us get through whatever situations we are faced with regardless of how tough. 

When life situations happen, know that you are not alone. We have a friend in Jesus who will be there for you and be closer than your BFF and closer than any family member. When those difficult and triumphant situations come, don't forget to pray. Pray and talk to God through good times and difficult times.  Regularly spending time talking to God can change your whole outlook on things.   When you draw near to God, he will draw close to you.

It may seem that the more you pray, the more silent God seems.  You seek God asking for answers, but you may find yourself asking, God where are you? Lord do you hear me?  Know that when God seems to be silent, He really is listening and he is right there.  Although it doesn't seem like it, consider this an opportunity to spend more time seeking His face. The answer, or the lack thereof, doesn't necessarily mean no; it could mean, not right now. As hard as it is, by faith, trust that God knows what he's doing and makes no mistakes.