Life is full of the unexpected

“Out of control” is a common phrase used to describe people, situations or circumstances.

Among other definitions, it means uncontrolled, impossible, unmanageable and insurmountable.

It also can be described as “out of hand” or “spinning out of control.”

Can you remember as a child riding a spinning ride at the amusement park?

It is interesting to watch someone exiting from one such ride.

Usually, they are walking with a stagger, trying to hold on to the rail or each other.

Their head is spinning.

As a participant, going through the motions, holding on and trying to wave to or focus on someone outside the fence is close to impossible.

Even trying to talk to the person we ride with is difficult.

Things are moving too fast to try to communicate.

We just hold on until the ride is over.

This illustration will help us to see what happens as we go through those times of life seemingly “out of control.”

Life is full of the unexpected.

Scripture contains a story of a few fishermen, Christ’s disciples, who got into a boat and proceeded to cross over the lake to go to the other side.

Jesus is on board, but still there is a storm that descends.

He is with them during the entire ordeal.

All of a sudden, the boat is rocking and weaving in the turbulent waters, and fear grips the hearts of those on board.

They cry out to the Lord for help.

I wonder if their initial thought was, “I wish we had a bigger boat!” Or, “How can I get out of here?”

We all have those times, days and experiences that seem to test our faith and trust in the Lord.

We must be reminded that no matter what life holds, or how out of control it may be, that Jesus remains the same.

He says, “Lo, I am with you, even to the end of the age.”

In the midst of their storm, and the situation being out of control, Jesus speaks to the storm, to the winds and the waves and says, “Peace be still.”

The waters instantly calm, and the disciples are filled with awe.

Perhaps your life seems similar today.

Things change.

Life can hit us with situations and circumstances that are overwhelming and rob us of our peace of mind.

God’s peace is needed to forge through difficulties that develop.

It is not easy to continue to stand still, hold on and wait for the situation to calm down, but it is an absolute necessity to do so.

We are just where we need to be with the Lord on our side.

Our trust and focus must be on Him during trying times of uncertainty.

Circumstances change, but God remains the same.

He does not change with the circumstance; he changes the circumstances in our favor and for our good.

Interesting enough, when the disciples were in the boat, taking in water and crying out in fear, they asked the Lord this question: “Don’t you care that we are perishing?”

We probably ask God the same question as we go through times of life being out of control.

Most likely, the longer the times, our questions to our Maker become more frequent.

We may feel abandoned or forgotten, but that will never be the case.

He knows and understands, and he is there with us, standing along with us to help us make it through.

“Out of control” to us is more than manageable to our Lord.

Ours is to trust, hold on to him and know that in the end, it will all work out.

The rearranging of life can be difficult, for sure.

It also can be a stepping stone to a deeper relationship with God.

Our dependence upon him in times such as these will strengthen our fellowship with him and emphasize his love for us.

Scripture says, “All things work together for the good to those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose.”

Loving the Lord and walking in a daily commitment to him will provide us with his peace and security going through impossible times.

Stay in the boat, hold on, and ride out the storm.

You are not alone.

Apply this Scripture from Philippians 4:7 to your life as you go through trying times: “And may the peace of God, which is beyond understanding, guard your heart and your mind in Christ.”

Patty Scahill of Austintown is a conference speaker, author and hospice chaplain.