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When Life Gets Disrupted

In Articles, Faith Journey, Life Issues, Spiritual Growth by Kirk Giles

Every person goes through each day with an idea of how it is going to unfold.  They know the work they are trying to accomplish, and they know the direction they are trying to move towards.  But life does not always work according to our plans.  It doesn’t take much for our lives to be disrupted.

In the past week, I have had several projects not go according to plan.  In my own sphere of relationships, I have become aware of several others who have experienced the same thing in their workplace.  I am friends with a man whose wife passed away suddenly, and am aware of a child who also suddenly died.  Other people have encountered life changing news regarding their health or relationships.

Maybe you have had your own life disrupted in some way.

The Greatest Disruption

I believe the greatest disruption in life can be found in Ephesians 2:1-5.  The Bible describes us as dead people – you may have a pulse, a family, and a job but we all start life as spiritually dead.  I love the start of verse 4 – “but God”!  God enters into our dead lives and by the great love He has for us He makes us alive with Christ.  People being raised from spiritual death to life – now that’s a disruption!

This one disruption in life puts every other disruption in perspective.  We know who is stronger than every circumstance – the one who is stronger than death.  We know He is with us, and so we have peace.  When we keep our mind focused on how great He is, disruptions may hurt but they don’t need to overwhelm us.

I have also discovered this truth – the painful disruption of today may lead to a greater story unfolding tomorrow.  The most painful disruptions of my life were God preparing me for a greater purpose or opportunity in the future.  It is so difficult to see this when we are in the middle of the pain, and that is where trusting the character of God matters.

In Psalm 78:52-54 we see the summary of how God walked with the children of Israel from slavery to their place of rest.  Look at the words used to describe God’s activity – He leadsguides, leads in safety, brings them to his holy territory. This same God has set you free from slavery to sin.  His character never changes and you can trust Him to walk with you through your disruptions.

About
Kirk Giles
Kirk Giles is the co-lead pastor of Forward Church in Cambridge, ON. He was formerly the President of Impactus (when it was known as Promise Keepers Canada). However, his most important roles as a man are husband to Shannon and father to Carter, Joshua, Sydney and Samuel. He is also the author of The Seasons of Fatherhood.
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Kirk Giles
Kirk Giles is the co-lead pastor of Forward Church in Cambridge, ON. He was formerly the President of Impactus (when it was known as Promise Keepers Canada). However, his most important roles as a man are husband to Shannon and father to Carter, Joshua, Sydney and Samuel. He is also the author of The Seasons of Fatherhood.