What to do when “whatever” happens
“And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.” (Psalm 9:10 ESV)
Recently my suitcase got lost on a flight from Seattle to Denver. I had to have it because it contained what I needed for my conference presentation. So I told the airport personnel I would wait at the airport for them to find it. I knew it had to be somewhere at the airport because it was a nonstop flight with no connecting flights. Even so, it took them three hours to find it. It was a good thing I had given myself lots of extra travel time just in case something should happen!
The new normal
If you travel a lot as I do, you soon find out that the unexpected will become your new normal. There will be traffic issues, parking issues, airport issues, luggage issues, delay issues, seat issues, shuttle issues, and numerous hotel issues to deal with. Stuff just happens sometimes and you learn to roll with them as they occur. Truth is, unexpected issues will come your way. Thats the new normal. They key is to always be prepared for unexpected things to happen.
What to do when the unexpected happens
Expect the unexpected – The first rule of dealing with the unexpected is to not be caught by surprise by it. It is normal for unexpected things to happen.
Prepare in advance – Give yourself plenty of time to deal with the things that may happen. When I arrived in Denver and found my luggage had been lost, I had the time to stay and find it because I’d myself plenty of extra time to deal with delays. I have to drive through Seattle on my way to the airport so I plan for long traffic delays which are a part of Seattle’s “normal”.
Attitude is everything – Always keep control and maintain your composure in every situation. It never helps to get angry or speak harshly to others near you when negative things happen. “Have this same attitude in yourselves which was in Christ Jesus [look to Him as your example in selfless humility],” (Phil. 2:5 AMP)
Seek God first – as a follower of Christ you have some promises to lean on in emergencies. One of my favorites is Matt. 6:33, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” When something unexpected happens, immediately think about God’s ever-presence with you and ask Him for wisdom, guidance and help. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” (Phil. 4:6 ESV)
Expect God to help you – When things go wrong, and after you have said a prayer to God about it, expect Him to work things out for you. “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Heb. 4:16 ESV) When the airport finally found my luggage after three hours of waiting they gave me a $150 voucher for my trouble. “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isa. 41:10 ESV).