Can you do me a favor? Take a good look at your life. What do you see? What do you desire to see?

A few years ago, I was watching a television program that was documenting when a famous rapper was killed. A man who was being interviewed shouted with great emotion, "The whole world stopped!"

His declaration took me by surprise, because that incident didn't stop my world, it didn't even impact me emotionally. But hearing that declaration did cause me to see differently. What I began to understand is although we all are living in the same universe, on the same Earth, sometimes in the same community, or even in the same house and family; the experiences that change or effect our individual lives are vastly unique.

Yes, the death of that famous and beloved rapper tore into the souls of those who cared for him. And his absence left an empty space in their lives that no other person can fill. The shock of the loss seemed to bring the rap world to a screeching halt in that moment in time.

That's the same feeling we have when circumstances in life throw us a "curve ball." It feels like the world as we knew it has ceased to exist. It feels like things will never be the same. It also feels like we won't ever be able to recover or start over. But I think we all can attest to the fact that life is full of "ups and downs," "hills and valleys," joys and sorrows." 

However, most sorrows don't last, but they are allowed to get our attention, so that we can avoid more sorrow by changing course.

The next time you have a life changing experience that "throws you for a loop," ask yourself; what is God trying to get me to see to get me back on course in His will?

Prayer:

Father, please open my eyes, I need to have clear vision. I need Your insight because I may have been walking blind. I didn’t mean to be groping in the darkness, but I am way off course and I can’t figure my way back. I submit to Your will and to getting deeper into Your Word, so that I can know Your Way for me. Strengthen me through this season and lead me in humility. I lay down everything that is hindering my purpose in You. Help me to get up and move forward in Your plan for my life. Thank You. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.