When Life Throws a Curveball: Finding Peace in the Unexpected

Life is so unpredictable. Just when we think we have everything under control, a sudden shift reminds us that we are never truly in charge. Sometimes, these moments come as small inconveniences, but other times, they shake us to our core. This past week was one of those times.

Let me take you back a few days.

Our weekend was filled with joy as we celebrated our precious daughter’s 13th birthday. Thirteen! It feels like just yesterday we were rocking her to sleep, and now she is blossoming into a young lady. She spent the weekend surrounded by her closest, sweetest friends—laughter, cake, and giggles filling our home. It was the kind of weekend you hold onto, the kind you wish could last just a little bit longer.

And then, Monday morning came.

Instead of easing into the week as planned, we found ourselves rushing to the Emergency Room, our hearts filled with uncertainty. My husband was in excruciating pain, and within hours, doctors confirmed what we hadn’t even seen coming—his gallbladder had to be removed, and surgery was the only option.

Talk about scary! One minute, we were celebrating life’s sweet moments, and the next, we were sitting in a sterile hospital room, waiting for a surgeon to come in and explain the next steps. Fear tried to creep in. The “what-ifs” swirled in my mind. Especially considering his cancer surgery that wasn't all that long ago. But in that moment of anxiety, I was reminded of a powerful truth: God is never surprised.

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you.” — Isaiah 43:2

Though our plans had been turned upside down, His presence had not wavered. So, I did the only thing I knew to do—I prayed. I reached out to my praying family, friends, and church family to bind in prayer with me. I prayed for peace over my husband. I prayed for wisdom and precision for the medical team. I prayed for strength for our family. And as I did, I felt the unmistakable calm of God’s hand in the midst of the storm.

Waiting for a loved one to go into surgery is an experience I wouldn’t wish on anyone, but it’s also a moment that strips life down to what truly matters. The to-do lists, the schedules, the minor annoyances—they all fade when faced with something bigger. And yet, even in the uncertainty, I found a strange sense of peace. Not because I had control, but because I knew Who did.

“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” — 1 Peter 5:7

My Personal Takeaway...

This experience reminded me of something profound: Faith isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about trusting God even when we don’t. It’s easy to praise Him when life is good, but true faith is built in the moments when things feel uncertain.

I won’t pretend it was easy. I had moments of fear, exhaustion, and doubt. But through it all, I was reminded that I don’t have to have superhuman strength—I just need to lean on the One who does.

If you’re in a season of uncertainty, I want to encourage you: God is still in control. He is working, even when you can’t see it. And He will carry you through.

A Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for being our refuge in times of trouble. When life feels uncertain, help us to rest in the truth that You are always in control. Lord, I pray for anyone reading this who may be walking through their own unexpected storm—give them peace, strength, and reassurance that they are not alone. Remind us that even when life throws us curveballs, Your love remains constant. We place our worries, our fears, and our burdens in Your hands, trusting that You will lead us through. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

As always, we are deeply grateful for your support and for being a part of our journey. Our prayer is that by sharing our story, we bring you hope and encouragement to face life’s challenges with faith, knowing that with God, all things are possible.

Remember, as I’ve always said, if you take nothing else away from my blog, I pray you never forget this: You are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14).

Pretty words aren’t always true, and true words aren’t always pretty—but when truth is spoken, it carries a beauty all its own. That’s exactly what you’ll find here: raw, honest truth.

Life is messy... thank God for Bounty paper towels, grace, and mercy!

With love,

Candye 

"...the battle is the Lord's" -- 1 Samuel 17:47