A routine visit to the doctor reveals that there is cancer, heart disease, or some other serious health concern. A member is upset about a statement you made in a sermon. A family that has been among the most involved in the congregation has to move because of a job change. You are called into a meeting with church leaders and told that they are going to let you go because they want to make a change. You are “written up” by preaching brothers who you believed to be loyal friends, because they disagree with something you’ve said or written.
Your wife tells you she is leaving because she is tired of the chaos of ministry or because she has found someone else. Your adult child tells you that you can’t see or talk to your grandchildren any longer. A member of our family decides to walk away from God.
Each of these unexpected events is real. They have happened to a preacher. The life of a preacher is filled with the unexpected, sometimes on a weekly or even daily basis. The question is not, will the unexpected happen? The real question is what will we do when the unexpected happens? How do we keep going when it feels like we have been beaten down by life?
We must stay close to God and trust that He will take care of us. The following scriptures are a small sampling of many that remind us to trust God during uncertain and unexpected times in our lives.
“When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You. In God, whose word I praise, In God I have put my trust.” (Psalm 56:3-4)
“The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, for in God the Lord, we have an everlasting Rock.” (Isaiah 26:3-4)
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
