When Life Shakes You

By Diane Jackson

In my early years with John Paul Jackson, God used a vision to shake up his worldview. Nearly forty years later, a crystal-clear dream showed me our time together was in jeopardy. I clung to the belief that God was in control as the dominoes of life fell hard. When circumstances shake you like an earthquake, it’s an opportune time to not let the pain of the past prevent you from reaching your future.

History makes it clear—Jesus went out of his way to shake things up and get people’s attention. He troubled people profoundly and spelled out hope for change. He steps into the lives of people by invitation, and quite unexpectedly. Some of you stepped into my life with acts of kindness, after John Paul moved on, and I know he echoes my thank you.

Whether you’re caught up in a pandemic swirl, or circumstances bother you very little, practice John Paul’s advice. Flip your response! During times of feeling lost in the world, or lost within you, please believe that not all is lost. More than ever these days, people are legitimately bothered by a growing number of things.

Many long for the return of pre-coronavirus days. Some struggle to make ends meet, or face more serious concerns, even tragic death. We can’t prevent all hardships, but we can actively look for God’s hidden benefits—the mystery of great gain in the midst of pain, and loss.

I was never one to dictate how God should run things, and I’m not going to start now. With many things beyond our control, some assume we must have an answer for God’s precise actions. Some adamantly insist, “There’s no way God was behind that!” I won’t try to convince you that life is always pleasant, or enjoyable, but it’s not because God isn’t behind you.

Watching the ground seemingly collapse around you, leads to deep appreciation when someone much bigger than you, lifts you to firm ground again. If we were never meant to experience discomfort, or turmoil, I don’t think God would have addressed those issues so much. 

Unanswered questions put trust to the test, but steady yourself going forward by clinging to what you know. I never experienced a mid-life crisis—but re-adjusting to ‘me’ has proven arduous. Anything even close to the same has a different feel and an altered purpose. Drastic life changes are a sure-fire way to disrupt routines and redefine your focus.

Life goals are ever changing, but God doesn’t change. Circumstances are bound to change, but He remains the same. People’s perspectives change, as they come and go around you, but God never changes. Psalm 121:3 makes it very clear that He is keenly aware of us, and doesn’t sleep on the job.

My expectation of God held steady, even when life expectations were on shaky ground. My husband’s words of, “You’ll be fine” didn’t always convince me that I would sail through life ‘like a trooper’ (something he would say). But I’m constantly reminded, life was never all about me, even when ‘me’ was all I could feel for a while.

I won’t be one to tell you how easy life is, but it’s possible to reach levels of contentment. As disturbing as it is for us to watch people suffer, I knew the Lord would take good care of my husband, and not leave me in the lurch. It wasn’t my plan to turn my husband loose so soon, but being loosed into God’s presence is the best, possible condolence. 

Pain was never intended to be a permanent dwelling place. Hopefully, it’s more a temporary landing, that you step in and out of, on the way to transition. I’m a first-hand witness of how God replaces desperate cries of anguish, with times of radical reconstruction.

As you relax the grip on desires for your current life to resemble your former life, you’ll find new ways to re-engage with today. And for the wise in heart, who give God the undivided attention He deserves, you just might find some spiritual delights, filling the spaces left by human void. 

When a severe, life-hit puts you at risk for permanent disability, don’t let time stand still. Walk, when you can’t run. Lead by inspiring others to run when you can’t anymore. If leading isn’t your thing, pray, and pray some more.  

When you commit to being bothered, God just might say, “Surprise!” and choose you for something unexpected. He knows when to be abrupt, and when to ease His way in—as he leads you to new, choice plans.

If you’re bored or uncertain where you might fit, consider loving someone a bit rough around the edges. My husband would relate to starting out like that. Passing of time is not the sole ticket to soften, or mend, a trouble-filled heart. So be proactive and step out. Give generously of yourself to those God highlights to you.Then watch for notable change, and thank the Lord along the way.

I wondered what God was up to as I watched John Thomas patiently stand by, and shadow John Paul. What was hidden from all of us then has proven to be a good fit for Streams. John Thomas embraced being bothered for a worthwhile cause, and Dawna, his wife, doesn’t mind serving beside him in the shadows.  

I’m not in my husband’s shadow anymore, but the Lord likes it when I shadow Him.And there’s more than enough room, under the shadow of God’s wings, for you and for me, and so many more.

Together, let’s keep a tight grip on the Author, and Finisher of life. And when life becomes deeply disturbing, try to flip your response. Then, with the Lord right behind you, be bothered, and reach out to others, like the Lord bothered reaching out to you.

I do appreciate you, and the Lord appreciates you more.

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