Seek God's support in working through unpredicted problems

"Fear not for I am with you: do not look around in terror or be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen and harden you to difficulty"

- Isaiah 41:10 ( AMP)

How long will this last? It is a popular question these days.

Hearing this question voiced so often caused me to ponder what in life is predictable?

There are many things that have a predictable timetable. We know each day is made of 24 hours, and how long each month lasts. We have knowledge that a baby emerges from the womb in 9 months or so. And that humans and animals usually grow up to become adults. We know winters are cold and summers are hot.

There are so many things we can predict, I think it might be fun at a party to have everyone attending to mention something predictable that comes to mind. The list is endless.

As many things in life that are predictable, there are many that aren't. I think the unpredictable ones are the most important: What will I be when I grow up? When or how will my dreams be fulfilled? Will I recover from this setback? Will this relationship last? Will my job end? And how long will I live? These questions all have unpredictable answers to them.

The predictable gives us a sense of being in control. When we know the accurate weather predications, we can plan our activities. When we know how to take care of ourselves, it brings a sense of comfort and control.

We like to have things figured out.

Unpredictable things can feel unsettling and frightening.

It's evident God created us with the ability to have a certain amount of control. We have the ability to care for our world, our homes, our health and finances, and many other essentials to life.

We complain about the hardships we come against in this world, but within the pages of the Bible, Jesus warned us we would be dealing with famines, earthquakes, pestilences and wars.

Yet, when the unpredicted famine, earthquakes, pestilences (plagues) and wars come crashing down on our sacred comfort zone, snatching away our daily routine like a thief in the night, we become terrified, frantic, and wonder how or why this horrendous thing could have happened.

Oh, there's nothing wrong with feeling that way. I do too. Even though these things were predicted to happen, we never expected them to hit our generation or personal life.

So what do we do when the unpredictable takes place? Do we allow our fearful emotions to get the best of us? Should we rant and rage and cast our faith to the wind?

In those unpredictable times, we may have some fretful moments, shed some tears and grieve some losses as we search for a way out or an ending to our hardship.

And as time goes on in the midst of the unpredictable, we keep our wits about us and use the common sense from above. We pray for wisdom, protection and provision and ask God to get us through the chaos as quickly as possible.

We remain anchored in faith believing the loving sentiment and important theme that God is with us, as expressed many times and in various ways throughout the Bible.

And, we stick together, using the courage, ingenuity and perseverance He equipped us with, as we hold on a little longer and wait for Him to bring our relief in an unpredictable moment.

• Annettee Budzban is a Christian author, speaker, life coach and nurse. Contact her by e-mailing Annetteebudzban@aol.com or call (847) 543-8413.She is available to be your personal coach.