By Lisa Kimrey
I love change—especially a carefully planned change!
You know, the ‘I’m looking forward to the day I can wake-up just to sit on the beach, hear the calming waves, and watch my family play in the sand’ kind of change.
But unfortunately, that’s not the type of change I’ve been experiencing.
I didn’t plan it; it’s not relaxing, I never know what will happen next, and I don’t know when (or if) it’s going to end.
All of this has been difficult for my family.
As a Christian mom, dealing with unexpected change in my home has been the most challenging thing I’ve ever gone through.
As a Christian mom, dealing with unexpected change in my home has been the most challenging thing I’ve ever gone through.Christian Moms Teach Their Children Godly Behavior by Example
To be honest, my emotions have been all over the place lately. I’ve felt:
- overwhelmed
- exhausted
- fearful
- angry
- sad
Sometimes I’ve felt these emotions all at the same time!
Sometimes I’ve lost my cool. I’ve had a meltdown—or two.
But ultimately, I know this isn’t how I want to handle this trial because I understand that my behavior is an example for my children.
I want to teach and model godly behavior in my home.
I also know I’m human, so I cannot go through this strife on my strength indefinitely.
I need the strength and wisdom of the Holy Spirit.
God’s Help is Available if We Choose to Accept it
As I’ve journeyed through dealing with unanticipated adjustments in my home, I’ve navigated several twists and turns.
I’ve:
- been overwhelmed by too much on my plate
- struggled with mental and physical exhaustion
- grieved the loss of my everyday life and routines
- faced uncertainty regarding how or when it will end
- battled a variety of unknown fears
- gotten stuck or frustrated about what steps to take next
The funny thing is, when I look back at this extensive list, I can see that I’ve tried to manage more than I should have on my own.
And, I’ve realized that my desire to stay tough for my family prevents the Holy Spirit from providing me with His strength.
My children aren’t able to watch me lean on the Lord.
My desire to stay tough for my family prevents the Holy Spirit from providing me with His strength.Scripture Provides Guidance for Unexpected Change in the Home
Here are six truths from Scripture to guide Christian moms through seasons of unexpected change in their homes.
1 – Let God Prioritize Your Tasks
“But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10: 41-42 NLT
When we face unexpected change in our homes, instead of trying to keep ‘doing all the things,’ we need to remember the Lord is our priority.
When we place God as our priority, He will identify the rest of our priorities.
The truth is, not everything is essential during an adjustment period. We can safely ignore some things. Focusing on too many details creates a sense of overwhelm.
2 – Allow God to Carry Your Burdens
“So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” 1 Peter 5:6-7 NLT
There’s no way to process everything going on around us during unexpected change. We can’t see all of the details because we don’t have God’s knowledge and perspective.
Trying to ‘fix everything’ is another way of telling ourselves we know more than God.
Not only do we not have the ability to know how to fix it, but we’re also not emotionally or physically equipped for the job.
So let the Lord carry your burdens. Let God figure out how to get it all done. He already has it all worked out anyway!
Trying to fix everything is another way of telling ourselves we know more than God.3 – Accept God’s Comfort and Healing
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 NLT
I never realized how much I took for granted in my everyday life until I had to deal with these unforeseen changes.
We can have hope that whatever the future looks like, God will make it right according to His plans and purpose.
We can take comfort in knowing that God loves us and knows our desires.
While we may genuinely grieve what we’ve lost, the Lord provides healing and comfort to prepare us for the future.
4 – Seek God’s Presence
“Be confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6 NLT
During times of uncertainty, the silence can be deafening. We can feel isolated. We can feel like we were left alone.
God is always with us and will never leave us.
When we’re intentional about seeking the Lord, we will eventually feel His presence again. Remain focused on the truth of Scripture and hold those truths close.
When we’re intentional about seeking the Lord, we will eventually feel His presence again.5 – Do Not Be Afraid
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT
Unexpected change can create tension and anxiety. There are a lot of unknowns. A happy ending may not be visible, but we do not need to be afraid for our future.
Our lack of understanding causes us to fear, but we can find peace when we trust the Lord.
Most of the things we worry about and are afraid of never come to fruition. Save your emotional energy and trust in the Lord.
6 – Ask God for Wisdom
“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind.” James 1:5-6 NLT
When we’re dealing with changes in our lives, we may not know the next steps. But God doesn’t leave us to struggle on our own.
The Holy Spirit, who resides inside us, is ready to provide us with wisdom.
As a believer, we do not have to rely on our knowledge. We don’t have to stay stuck in any position in our lives.
When we’re dealing with changes in our lives, we may not know the next steps. But God doesn’t leave us to struggle on our own.In closing, if you are struggling with unexpected changes in your home, I encourage you to follow the Lord’s guidance.
- Let God Prioritize Tasks
- Allow God to Carry Our Burdens
- Accept God’s Comfort and Healing
- Seek God’s Presence
- Do Not Be Afraid
- Ask God for Wisdom
Make time, even if just a few minutes, to spend time in prayer, worship, or Scripture with the Lord every day.
Doing so will provide you His guidance to help you navigate the journey in peace and the opportunity to teach your children how He works good into your life, even through unexpected difficulties.
-Lisa Kimrey
Lisa Kimrey is a speaker and the author of The Self-care Impact: Motivation and Inspiration for Wellness. An RN for 28 years, Lisa finds joy through helping people improve their self-care so they can feel better and serve the Lord at their highest capacity. Helping you find ways to care for your life as you serve and care for others, Lisa writes at Mylifenurse.com. See Lisa’s website for more resources on motivation for self-care or connect with Lisa on Pinterest and Facebook.
