The Unexpected

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 

2 Peter 3:18

One winter, quite unexpectedly, I fractured my ankle. The ER doctor put me in a cast and sent me home on crutches. At first getting around was awkward and uncomfortable. However, I quickly adapted and was ready to race.

Contrast that with an earlier experience when my husband and I visited a ski resort. Skiing looked like fun so we decided to take lessons. How hard could it be, right?

I soon found out. I fell often and hard. Even worse, when I fell, I was too weak to push myself up with my ski poles. After two hours of misery, I turned in my equipment, went to the lodge to nurse my bruises, and watched my husband glide down the bunny slope. 

Later, when I broke my ankle, I was surprised to find using crutches was much easier than using ski poles. I think the main reason was I had developed some muscles in my arms and shoulders by working out at a gym. 

We face many unexpected events in life like a broken ankle, an illness, a financial reversal, or a relationship problem. While having physical strength helps in some crises, we need spiritual strength even more.

Spiritual strength begins when we meet Christ. It increases as we get to know Him better. Being consistent in prayer, worship, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers helps our spiritual muscles grow.

Unexpected and unimagined occurrences are inevitable. They arrive on our doorsteps like uninvited guests. However, we can prepare for them. We can practice 2 Peter 3:18, and “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”   

Father, thank You for the Spirit who empowers us to deal with the unexpected.

Carol