Dealing with the Unexpected

Tuesday of this week a friend of mine lost his dad to a heart attack. I was called and informed about his passing and went to the hospital to be with the family. A viewing was held last night at the funeral home and Heidie and I went. We visited with the family for a while and talked with some of his friends. We were ready to leave when we were told the hospital had misplaced his body after the family had left. I was talking with the funeral director and he told us the story. I shared with him experiences I had as a pastoral ministries student with a funeral home at college. The funeral director had told us a similar story he had encountered. The most shocking thing though happened while we were there learning about what funeral homes do. The director told us he was going to show us a body that was ready for cremation. He opened up the doors and jumped back because he didn't see what he thought he would see. Instead of the body, he saw what we did. We saw the few bone fragments that actually survive the cremation. Once he regained his thoughts, he told us that we would now see how they processed the remains. He took the unexpected situation and was able to use it to teach us through it.

I am sure that you, like myself and everyone else, face uncertain and unexpected things that come along in our journey. These things can have various results in our lives. Some tragedies that happen often destroy some folks because they can't handle them. Others may not completely take someone down but affect their lives in so many ways that they are no longer the same person. Yet still others find that in the midst of these times they become stronger people because of them. They do not allow the circumstances to control their lives or change who they are except for the better. What makes the difference between those who fall apart and those who grow stronger? There is no real secret. The difference is the understanding and knowledge of the people as to who God is. Many people blame God for every tragedy and situation that comes along. They do not know God or realize how much He loves them. God doesn't cause these things but often will let them come so that the person would come to Him. Now those who know God and trust Him, He strengthens them to face those times of heartache and loss. They know that God is faithful and loving and will only allow things in our lives to make us strong in our faith. When the unexpected comes, God is not caught unaware or unprepared. We are the ones not ready but if we follow Him, He will make sure we are ready when things occur. He sees down the road and even around the bend where we can see a short distance ahead. Let God help you with the unexpected times and trials! After all, He knows what He wants you to learn!

We do grieve when we lose a loved one but if they go to be with their heavenly Father, remember that if we are ready when it is our time, we shall see them again more alive and happy than they were while here on this earth!