My grip on the steering wheel tightened as my stomach churned. The lightly falling snow had transformed into a blizzard within 15 minutes. Would you like to navigate safely as life changes from peaceful to perilous?
Have you experienced a radical change in your life?
Sudden complete and unexpected changes. Maybe, an illness, job loss, hurricane, or even a pandemic.
The Journey to Navigate Life Changes Safely From Peaceful to Perilous Begins
I found it is possible to navigate safely from peaceful to perilous events. (And arrive back at peace.)
Well, back to my story. Alone in the car, I exhaled. Deliberately relaxing my shoulders, I eased my hunched back into the seat.
Amber hazard lights pulsed rhythmically around me, ominously glimmering through the snow.
In the next seconds, I shifted my focus. From the potential peril surrounding me to the One who controls all.
Several months earlier, my friend Jodeen shared a highlight of a long road trip. She had pictured Jesus sitting beside her. And she talked to Him, (prayed to Him), as she drove.
That is just what I did as I made the return trip to Omaha. So, in a very real way, it was easy for me to turn my attention from my dangerous situation to Jesus– this time.
I hadn’t known this set of circumstances would unfold.
Truths That Strengthened Me For the Journey
But I knew three things that strengthened me.
I knew the conditions did not surprise Jesus, because He is all-knowing.
He already had a plan for me. (And for you).
Faith-filled friends actively prayed interceded for me as I traveled. (And in the planning stages of the trip)
- I knew the conditions did not surprise Jesus, because He is all-knowing.
- He already had a plan for me. (And for you).
- Faith-filled friends actively prayed interceded for me as I traveled. (And in the planning stages of the trip)
As I focused on Jesus, peace enveloped my body.
My heightened perception of His love and strength co-existed beautifully with my increased reflexes and problem-solving skills.
I experienced the truth in this verse:
“You will keep in perfect peace
all who trust in you,
all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” Isaiah 26:3 (NLT)
As I retrieved stored knowledge about winter driving on icy surfaces, I remembered other hard situations I had faced and come through successfully.
Experiences infused with answered prayer and the clear provision of God. They grew my trust.
By reflecting on them, my trust and peace grew deeper. Even as I drove.
I did not take the calm for granted.
I appreciated This peace was appreciated because several years before I had driven in much less dangerous conditions.
But a crescendo of fearful and chaotic thoughts developed rapidly, as I relied on my own abilities.
Because I was calm, this time, I was sensitive to the nudges to brake in a certain way at a specific time.
I continued driving trusting in Jesus.
Navigate safely as life changes from peaceful to More Perilous
Nevertheless, the conditions worsened. I knew I needed to leave the roadway and wait until the storm abated.
Stranded cars blocked exit after exit.
I weighed the danger of continuing to drive in the treacherous conditions versus the risk of a potential accident while leaving the interstate.
Sometimes all the available options seem only to lead to disaster.
Do you feel like that now?
The fear can be paralyzing.
But God has a plan.
He will cause all things to work for the good. (Romans 8:28)
I felt led to continue – cautiously. Until I was able to safely exit, to a small town.
It was not my destination. But I could not have been any more excited if I had arrived at my home.
The parking lot of the local pharmacy beckoned me. Fresh tire tracks made driving through the deep snow possible.
A few hours and a fast food meal later, the snow had tapered down.
Traffic reports announced interstate traffic was moving again – slowly.
But as I prepared to get back on the road I became fearful. Despite just experiencing God’s protection!
Honestly, I was surprised and a little disappointed in myself.
I wonder if you know what I mean.
I sat motionlessly. The lightly falling snow gradually filled in the empty spots on my windshield.
And, with God’s abundant, and over the top provision, I received an unexpected treasure.
My phone rang.
I heard the warm, calm voice of my boss. She asked if I would be available to return from my leave of absence a little early.
A financial need had just been met. Before I had even begun to pray about it.
The grace-filled provision of God was astounding. It was almost as if He was reassuring me.
He had protected me on the entire trip. And He hadn’t forgotten me now.
My peace returned.
Trusting God While Navigating Safely
I saw first-hand the blessings resulting from choosing to trust God.
I relied on Him, in a situation completely outside my control.
As a direct result:
- My trust grew.
- I experienced a peace that defied my circumstances.
- Jesus’ provision was apparent throughout the storm.
Building trust in Jesus, and keeping my thoughts focused on Him has been a journey for me. With progress made one step and a time. (Well sometimes one step forward, and then two back.)
The journey continues.
In this case, I was better prepared to navigate the next radical (non-driving related) change in my life. I was able to move safely from peaceful to perilous. (And arrive back at peace).
A challenge which, in retrospect, arrived with lightning speed. In circumstances surprising to me.
But not to Jesus.
“You will keep in perfect peace
all who trust in you,
all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” Isaiah 26:3 (NLT)
The peace if not just for me.
It can be yours too.
I believe when you consciously decide to trust God – even in the little things, you will be surprised at how you are changed.
You can read more about successfully weathering change here.
Are you ready to try?