The twists and turns and the rhythm of our lives can take sudden and unexpected changes….and depending upon whether the change is good or bad depends upon on our attitude toward that change….but life does have its surprises that we are unprepared for.

I am not sure where I read, nor who wrote it, but I remember reading a lesson about unexpected events in our lives, and that it should be during the quieter moments of our lives that we should prepare. I never thought much about that at the time, but when death touched me, I understood the lesson.

“And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment….” Hebrews 9:27

Job must have felt the same when when calamities befell him suddenly.

“And there came a messenger unto Job, and said, The oxen were plowing, and the asses feeding beside them: And the Sabeans fell upon them, and took them away; yea they have slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. While he was yet speaking there came also another, and said, The fire of God is fallen from heaven, and that burned up the sheep and the servants, and consumed them; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.” Job 1:14-16

..and one calamity befell another and another. Job had lost his wealth, children, servants, health, friends, and a wife that told him:

“Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God and die. But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.” Job 2:9-10

I too learned through adversity, though painful, that it too was a lesson in life. I learned perseverance, increased sympathy for others in the same circumstances, and lifted my eyes to see that which was more valuable, and I pray, increased wisdom.

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

When life brings sudden changes, let us prepare for those events now, as best we can, and have the attitude that our Lord would want.

“Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you.” I Peter 5:7

“For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:15-16

“Bad things happen to good people without any rhyme or reason, it just happens. There’s nothing fair about it, but what can I do about it? Tomorrow’s another day. Good or bad, either way, even when I can’t feel it, I believe in love.”

Eileen Light