When Life Comes at You Fast

Little did I know when I penned these words in the Fall of 2019 that it was only the beginning of what I call our “Job Season.” But the truths learned then were preparing me for the storms to come. 

October 31, 2019

I don’t know when I first heard the Nationwide Insurance commercial. But its slogan, “When life comes at you fast,” stuck with me. Ever felt that way?  

These past few weeks, I have voiced that slogan repeatedly. One moment Steve and I are discussing all the fun festivities of the fall season. Then WHAM! I came down with an upper respiratory infection, my dad’s health began to show signs of a sharp decline, and I admitted Steve to the hospital with double pneumonia aggravated by complications. I see a blur as I look in the rearview mirror of the past three weeks.

There were days I would medicate up, head to the hospital, gown up, and stay with Steve until my medicine wore off. Then I would head home, spend time with Dad, try hard to discern how best to help address his health issues, take more meds, and collapse into bed.

Life came at us fast.

I love those seasons when all is calm on the sea of life. The journey seems so much more enjoyable. Breathing is more relaxed.

If only all of life were like that-if only. 

As much as I say that and my weary body longs for less troubled waters, there is a profound knowing that this stormy season is when God does the deep work necessary for heart transformation. Surrender becomes an intimate friend as I learn how to lean in closer to the rhythms of God’s grace.

Perhaps you can relate. You move through your day in a blur, hoping the pace will slow enough tomorrow, allowing you to catch your breath. You remind God of His promise, “You said you wouldn’t put more on me than I can bear. I have reached my limit, God.”

Times of refreshing and rest are necessary, but so are the times of wrestling. They work side by side, tilling the heart, uprooting the weeds of sin, replanting seeds of grace, growing in us that which is eternally beautiful and full of His glory.

There is something that takes place in the soul of man when the body of man comes face to face with mortality.

Steve: “How bad is this doctor?”

Doc: “It could be fatal.”

Dad: “What are the results of the test?”

Doc: “The medicine is not working. The heart function is worse.”

We are never guaranteed the “happily ever after” or the “sunshine all the way” days. We are guaranteed the promises of God’s sweet spirit to guide, comfort, instruct, and teach us. This promise brings peace that will surpass our understanding or lack of it when faced with the “life comes at you fast” moments.

“The Friend, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send at my request, will make everything plain to you. He will remind you of all the things I have told you. I’m leaving you well and whole. That’s my parting gift to you. Peace. I don’t leave you as you’re used to being left—feeling abandoned, bereft. So, don’t be upset. Don’t be distraught.”
-John 14:25-27

Scripture tells us that when weighed down, we can freely toss all our cares on Him because He cares for us. (1 Peter 5:7)

So how do we walk through seasons when life “comes at us fast”? If there is anything that I am learning in this current season, it would be this:

• Just breathe. Seriously, long deep, cleansing breaths. The exhale often becomes the prayer uttered when we have no words. 
• Trust His grace to be the measure needed to match your situation. His grace is sufficient. He is doing deep work to reveal His glory in and through you. (2 Cor. 12:7-10)
• Simplify the noise level of your life, allowing you to hear God’s whispers more clearly.
• Walk slowly and steadily through the valley, knowing you are not alone. God will guide you.
• Embrace community. Let a few close friends help. They want to, let them.
• Remember when you have seen God’s faithfulness, and hold on to that hope.

Dear friends, let us remember together that this world is fallen, messy, and full of pain. Life may come at us fast, but we have a Friend who is perfect, steady, and unshakeable. He is guiding us step by step through life. Take Hope!