When the Hiccups of Life come along, how should we handle them?
I love the way God throws us curve balls at times, just when we least expect them. The third month of the year is just about to end, and so far I have experienced enough curve balls to last the whole year! Anyway – I thought I would share with you what I have learnt thus far about handling the hiccups of life God’s way (yes, it is possible). I hope the few tips that I share below will encourage you!
- Say NO to fear
The first thing that comes to mind when I find myself in a tough situation is, “how will I handle this?” Now – isn’t that a sign of fear? This fear comes from a lack of trust in God and his divine purposes, doesn’t it? By the way – this kind of fear can be crippling, even preventing you from praying!
Here is what God says about this fearful situation.
Isaiah 41:10 “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” (NLT)
Not only does he promise to be with us, but he also promises to help us, strengthen us and hold us up when the hiccups of life come along. With such awesome promises in mind, is there any reason to fear? NO!
- Let God handle the hiccups
God knows what hiccups will land in your lap, as well as when and how they will come along. Initially, the fact that God is aware of all you are going through may be disheartening and annoying, but as you think about it, he may be using this situation to teach you something. Letting him handle the situation is, therefore, the best course of action!
Philippians 4:6 “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” (NLT)
Don’t spend your time worrying about the hiccup and the grief it is causing you. Instead, pray about it, tell God you need his help and thank him for being your source of comfort, and encouragement.
1 Peter 5:7 “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” (NLT)
- Don’t forget that God has a perfect plan for you
Did you know that a single hiccup in your life does not change God’s plan for you? Well, in the midst of a difficult situation, not many people remember this, but it is true! Lying in that hospital bed, being out of a job for months, or losing a loved one does not change God’s plan for you.
This is a tough call, isn’t it? How do I trust in God when everything around is going haywire and I am no longer in control!
Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” (NLT)
Friends, trusting in God’s perfect plan is not easy when everything around is bleak, but this is what God requires of us. We MUST trust in him… in the good and bad times, because his plan for us does not change!
Psalm 28:7 “The LORD is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.” (NLT)
- See beyond the present hiccups of life
James 1:3-4 “For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” (NLT)
The present trial you are going through is not random – it has a purpose. Perhaps God has seen an area in which you need to grow, a habit that you need to break, or a task that he wants to prepare you for. A trial can be a great learning opportunity for you if you decide to listen to God and learn from him. The result? The hiccup becomes more manageable and less painful, and with time, you begin to experience his peace.
Just to add – focusing on God can be quite a challenge during the ‘hiccup’ season. Studying God’s promises during the happier seasons and feeding your heart with God’s word when you are at rest is the best way to prepare for the hard times. Just like the farmer makes sure all the drainage trenches in his farm are dug long before the rains begin so that his farm does not flood, we should have our hearts protected and insulated well before the storms come along.
In conclusion, I found this very encouraging verse in the Psalms that summarizes all that I have shared today.
Psalm 9: 9-10 “The LORD is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O LORD, do not abandon those who search for you.” (NLT)