Life isn’t all unicorns and rainbows. Oftentimes, we tend to believe that it’s supposed to be easy if we are believers or if we just make all the right choices. In Matthew 5:45, Jesus talks about how the Father makes ‘His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.’ The truth is: life is going to happen, and that means hard times may come. The difference, as Christians, is in how we prepare, how we react, and how we move forward.

Preparation is composed of intentional choices, but sometimes there is no ‘right or wrong’ choice. While these decisions can have an impact on what happens to us, those intentional ones leading up to those moments are what really matters. Let me explain…

Right before Thanksgiving last year, I went out for a ride with the baby. We did this often to just get out of the house… something I am missing right now! While driving, I was contemplating on whether we should go Christmas shopping or get some frozen yogurt (it was a nice day for being November!) I got to the stop sign and had to decide – right for Sweet Frog or left to head to the mall. I chose left. I figured I’d be ahead of the game and would walk off calories instead of consuming them.

Not much further into the drive, someone rear ended us. I remember thinking to myself, I chose wrong. I should have turned right.

The thing is though, I didn’t choose wrong. There really was not a right or wrong choice. Who knows, something else – possibly worse – could have happened if I had gone right. What really counted were my decisions leading up this. I pray every day for God’s protection over myself and family. I chose to make sure my child was secured in the appropriate car seat. I had my seat belt on. I was insured… and insurance is a little like faith. Having it doesn’t protect me from accidents happening; it covers me when they do.

While our faith helps prepare us, it is also revealed in how we react. When trials come, we are called to “think it not strange” (1 Peter 5:12). Recently, I was faced with an unfortunate situation. When I got the news, I cried. I allowed myself to feel sad but not to wallow in it. My next reaction was to turn to prayer and trust in God. My step-son was here when it all happened, and I just said “this stinks, but it’ll be ok – God’s got this.” Then we went about our day like normal. He later told me I was handling it well and that he would be more upset.  I was so happy that I had set a good example (because, to be honest, I do not always handle stress well!) I said I was upset, but I was as prepared for this as I could be…and I have to trust that God’s got the rest.

While we are only human, it’s important to not react or be consumed with things like anger, fear, or despair. While we may feel these things, we should not allow them to take control or be bigger than our faith. We should turn our questions and feelings to the One who knows all. If we allow things like kindness, humility, and prayer to be our reaction, what a great witness to those around us and a true testament of our faith that can be!

The Bible also says, ‘Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance’ (James 1:2-3). Even if our initial response is to pray, that doesn’t cause the issues we face to just magically disappear. Life goes on and we must move forward making the continuous effort of putting our faith in God. Sometimes we pray for something to happen – or not happen – and then things don’t go the way we thought it should. This can cause more questions or even doubt to creep in. As Christians, continuing to trust in His Will and not our own is what builds our endurance and strengthens our faith. Knowing that His Will is perfect and better than our own is where the joy comes. If we truly believe His Word, we know that no matter what is going on, ‘… we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose” (Romans 8:28 AMP). Resting in this knowledge brings joy unspeakable and peace that surpasses all understanding.

Currently, the world is experiencing some difficult times. I pray that we as Christians make those intentional choices to prepare ourselves for each day, putting on the armor of God, reading the Word, and seeking His face. I pray that our reactions are not those of fear but those of faith, hope, and love. Lastly, I pray that we continue to walk in this hope and shine His light to those around us… and with having to be socially distant, we need lights stronger and brighter than ever!