Faith and Life’s Curve Balls

You saw me before I was born, every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. Psalm 139:16 NLT

This scripture is such a comfort to me…especially when life’s curve balls (to me) happen! Our family has been thrown a few good size ones. The first was when my husband had his stroke in 2010 and then passed in 2012. It was a challenge, but I leaned upon Him and He held us. I learned how to manage some of life’s larger curve balls.

Two years ago, my son and his wife lost a special little girl, named Madeline, at only five months gestation. It was a rough time, not only emotionally but also physically, for my daughter-in-law. Last year, we celebrated the birth of their fourth child, another sweet girl, Sofia. However, Becca hemorrhaged soon after delivery, and we came close to losing her. So grateful for God’s grace and the hospital team that saved her life. This curve was not only unexpected, but I will admit it was traumatizing. I had to ask the Lord for restorative grace. I learned to focus on the actual good outcome, not focusing on the “what could have happened” scenarios. Thankfulness and gratitude became healing for me.

S0 this year, I was looking forward to a more “normal” summer. Celebrating with family and enjoying the Pacific Northwest’s special summer days. But, we have been challenged once again to trust our God and His plans. Our dear Becca has been diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. Not only do I ask for your prayers, but I want to share with you some things I’ve learned from walking already through this new curve ball of life.

Once again, I am challenged to trust our God and His character. It is discovery time in my own soul of whether I trust Him or do I need to grow in more trust. My son has also been fighting sickness for quite a while, so it is hard to keep praying and expecting health and there hasn’t been a breakthrough. I felt the Holy Spirit asked me if I trusted Him with my son. I had to stop and consider. We know the journey and diagnosis that Becca faces, but they can’t seem to figure out what’s wrong with him. I had to admit to the Lord that it was scary and frustrating to keep expecting him to rise up healed. I know it will happen. I read something yesterday about delayed or seemingly unanswered prayers. When we get frustrated or angry because they aren’t answered we can change our perspective and spend the time praying to get to know Him better. Our time spent asking is not in vain and we need to continue with the knowledge and peace that the answer and timing is in His hands. But the more we wait with Him, the more we grow in our relationship with Him. The promises in His Word have become even more precious to me, a deeper learning lesson.

I woke up about 2:30 a.m. praying for them, this morning. As I talked to the Lord about them, He showed me the need for someone to help with the baby during the day. My son asked me if I could hang out with their one-year-old today, as the Lord had already shown me! So another lesson I keep learning is trusting Him to set the course of my day. God had already shown me the need! As I drove to their home, I talked to the Lord about how to best to help them get the most rest. I asked if I could bring her back to my house, and they said yes. My lesson in dealing with life’s curve balls is obeying the Holy Spirit.

As I rocked her to sleep listening to my Spotify prayer channel, we both rested in the Presence of the Lord. I figured out how to transfer her to the couch…and she slept much longer than her normal morning nap. As we sat together, I realized that part of God’s character is that He sits with us and loves us amid of our challenging times. When we understand the truth of 1 John 4:13 it becomes easier to trust. We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. Reminding myself of God’s love for each of our family members is always a good start for life’s curve balls.

Another thing I have learned about life’s curve balls is they don’t come alone. They are usually multifaceted and multilevel. In our situation, we also get to walk the journey with their four children. We are helping them through their fears and concerns. It is one thing to trust the Lord with your own health, but another with our children and grandchildren. I know He is teaching us all lessons in his faithfulness. It is part of dealing with life’s curve balls, isn’t it?

We’ve learned you need a team. These bigger balls can’t be handled by themselves. God has provided a wonderful support team with Becca’s parents and her sister. They actually live next door. We They have their own challenges too…so we need good communication. When life throws you curve balls, make sure you have a team. It is best to develop those relationships pre-curve, but sometimes God sends you added experienced team members in the midst. People who have been through what you are going through can be great encouragers!

Life’s curve balls happen to everyone. You are not alone. Life’s curve balls can either make us bitter, or better. We can grow in our compassion or withdraw inside ourselves. Or maybe for a season, as we adjust, a bit of both. But the good news is He understands. He is not caught unaware of our days, our experiences and our challenges. I believe we will move through this challenge stronger than ever. We are celebrating so many areas where God has already answered with a yes. But we still need to rehearse that through praise, thanksgiving and reminding ourselves during the tougher times. If you are struggling mid curve, take the time to examine your wins. Because of His goodness, I know you have them.

This journey will not be easy, but we believe with God’s help, it is doable. We expect to learn much along the way, but also are choosing to live and enjoy, as best as possible, life each day. I know there will probably be more curve balls ahead, but we trust Him even more than ever.

Father, it is not only encouraging that you have recorded the days of our life, but we know that You’ve determined that these things are going to work out for good for everyone concerned. Please help us trust You with every curve ball this life has for us. In Jesus’ Name, amen.