When Life Catches Us Off-Guard

Job 1:1-22 (NLT) 

1. When we are caught off-guard, how we respond reveals to us and to others more about our core beliefs than what we say with our mouths

Matthew 6:19-21 (NLT) 

    "Don't store up treasures here on earth, where they can be eaten by moths and get rusty, and where thieves break in and steal. [20] Store your treasures in heaven, where they will never become moth-eaten or rusty and where they will be safe from thieves. [21] Wherever your treasure is, there your heart and thoughts will also be.

2. The first thing that brings life back into our existence is when our hearts are present and connected to whatever we do and whoever we are with.

Reconnect and anchor our hearts properly back to God, and choose to reconnect our hearts back into our relationships and in everything that we do.

Proverbs 4:23 (NLT) 

    Above all else, guard your heart, for it affects everything you do. (NIV… for it is the wellspring of life.)

Psalm 95:8 (NLT) 

        The Lord says, "Don't harden your hearts…

3. Choose to grow, mature and finish the assignment for this season by redeeming every opportunity instead of squandering them.

Ephesians 5:15-17 (NKJV)

    See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, 16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil.  17 Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

Colossians 4:4-6 (NKJV)

    …that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.  5 Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. 6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.

Hebrews 10:36 (NLT) 

    Patient endurance is what you need now, so you will continue to do God's will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.

4. When life catches us off-guard, God will show Himself more than sufficient and faithful to meet our needs.  Job 42:10-17 (NLT)

Philip. 4:19 (NIV) 

    And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

Philip. 4:19 (Msg) 

    You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, his generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Jesus.

2 Cor. 12:9 (NLT) 

    Each time he said, "My gracious favor is all you need. My power works best in your weakness." So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may work through me.