When Life Throws Curveballs

“Remain in me, and I will remain in you.” – John 15:4

Life is full of unexpected turns, and sometimes, those turns seem to take us far from the path we imagined for ourselves. You may find yourself in a place you never expected—still single when you thought you’d be married by now, or facing the painful reality of a broken marriage. Perhaps your dreams of a thriving career or starting a family seem out of reach, and you’re left wondering, “God, where are You in all of this?”

It’s easy to point fingers—at God, at others, or even at yourself—when life doesn’t go according to plan. But in these moments, we’re reminded to trust in the Author and Perfecter of our faith, who promises to complete the good work He began in us, no matter our age or stage in life.

For me, this journey of faith became intensely real in early 2022. My life was upended by the painful unwanted and necessary end of my marriage after more than 30+ years. It felt like my world was falling apart, and the impact rippled through every area of my life—my family, my health, my relationships, and the dreams I had for our future.

In times like these, when emotions are overwhelming and life feels like a mess, it’s crucial to anchor yourself in your devotion to God. Here are a few ways to do that:

• Trust in the Words of Jesus: In John 15:7, Jesus says, “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted.” Cling to His promises. Seek a word from God and hold onto it with everything you have.
• Keep Praising and Thanking Him: Even in the midst of your struggles, God is worthy of praise. Find something to be thankful for each day, even if it feels like you’re walking through a Job-like experience. Gratitude shifts our focus from what we’ve lost to what we still have.
• Stay True to Your Convictions: Don’t let the pressures of life push you to compromise your core values. Stand firm in what you believe, even when it feels like everything else is shifting.
• Never Stop Believing in God’s Goodness: Hold onto the hope that you will see the goodness of God in the land of the living. Keep your eyes fixed on His faithfulness, even when it’s hard to see past the pain. I remind myself each day, God is good, God is good to me, and God is good at being God.
• Remain in the Community of Faith: No matter how displaced or disconnected you feel, stay close to the community of believers. There is strength in fellowship, and God’s house is a place of refuge and renewal.

Life’s curveballs can be disorienting, but they don’t have to derail your faith. By remaining in Christ, we find the strength to endure, the hope to keep moving forward, and the assurance that God is with us, even in the midst of life’s greatest challenges.

So, let’s continue to stand on scripture. Build our lives on the finished work of the cross. Walk in faith and obedience.

Love Carolyn