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Life has a way of throwing surprises at us when we least expect them. Just imagine heading to work on a routine morning, only for a deer to leap out in front of your car, causing an unavoidable collision. It's frustrating, inconvenient, and downright unpleasant. Or picture coaching a high school baseball team that barely scrapes into the postseason with a .500 record, facing off against the top-seeded opponent. Your players are prepared for fastballs and off-speed pitches, but then comes a wicked slider that curves sharply, leaving batters frozen at the plate. These moments—unexpected, challenging, and often fear-inducing—are what we call life's curveballs.

No matter how much planning or preparation goes into daily life, these sudden twists can leave anyone reeling with uncertainty. Yet, drawing from timeless biblical principles, particularly the account in John chapter 11 from the Bible, there are profound lessons on how to handle such challenges with faith rather than fear.

The Story of an Unexpected Crisis

In John 11:1-3 (KJV), we read: "Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha. (It was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.) Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick."

Lazarus, a close friend of Jesus, falls ill unexpectedly. His sisters, Mary and Martha, send word to Jesus, confident in His ability to help. However, Jesus responds in a surprising way: "When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby" (John 11:4 KJV). Despite loving the family deeply—"Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus" (John 11:5 KJV)—He delays: "When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was" (John 11:6 KJV).

This delay allows Lazarus to die, amplifying the crisis. For Mary and Martha, it's a devastating curveball. They had seen Jesus heal others, yet He doesn't rush to their aid. The disciples, too, face their own uncertainty when Jesus decides to return to Judea, a place where enemies had recently tried to stone Him: "Then after that saith he to his disciples, Let us go into Judaea again. His disciples say unto him, Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee; and goest thou thither again?" (John 11:7-8 KJV).

Trusting the Purpose Behind Delays

One key insight from this narrative is the importance of trusting divine purpose even when answers seem delayed. Life's challenges often prompt immediate pleas for resolution, but delays aren't signs of indifference—they serve a greater plan. In this case, the wait ensures God's glory shines through undeniably and strengthens faith. As Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV) advises: "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

When confronted with illness, loss, or unforeseen obstacles—like a tree falling on a home or a sudden diagnosis—it's natural to question the timing. Yet, recognizing that everything works "for the glory of God" shifts perspective. Everyday actions, from sipping water to facing trials, become opportunities to honor a higher purpose, as 1 Corinthians 10:31 (KJV) states: "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God."

Overcoming Fear and Confusion Through Faith

Curveballs breed fear and confusion, much like the disciples' dread of returning to danger. Jesus addresses this: "Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world. But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him" (John 11:9-10 KJV). Walking in divine light means trusting beyond visible circumstances.

Personal stories illustrate this: a family's grief over a brother's sudden death in a car accident, or emotional fog during crises, where reasoning fails. In such moments, faith dispels doubt. Psalm 56:3 (KJV) offers solace: "What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee." Coupled with Psalm 27:1 (KJV)—"The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?"—it reminds us that fear loses its grip when anchored in trust.

Trials also foster growth: "Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead. And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe" (John 11:14-15 KJV). Without faith, pleasing God is impossible (Hebrews 11:6 KJV). Examples like Abraham's obedience highlight how challenges expand reliance on the divine, turning uncertainty into deeper belief.

Following Through Challenges

Finally, the story urges unwavering followership: "Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellowdisciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him" (John 11:16 KJV). Whether sarcastic or sincere, Thomas's words reflect a commitment to accompany Jesus despite risks. As the Good Shepherd (John 10:11, 27 KJV), Jesus leads, and true sheep follow: "Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me" (Matthew 16:24 KJV).

In valleys of shadow, presence brings comfort: "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me" (Psalm 23:4 KJV). Curveballs may alter plans, but obedience endures.

Embracing the Unexpected

Life's curveballs—deer collisions, slider pitches, illnesses, or losses—test resilience. Yet, as seen in John 11, they are opportunities for glory, growth, and faithfulness. Romans 8:28 (KJV) assures: "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."

Next time an unexpected challenge arises, pause, trust the unseen plan, and follow forward. In doing so, not only is faith strengthened, but life's toughest moments become testimonies of enduring hope.