When Experiencing the Unexpected

It happens…the ‘best laid plans’ get pushed aside for that very unexpected event.

Such was the situation a short time ago.  My husband and I were on a long-awaited vacation—cruising the Pacific Northwest coast to Alaska.  Twenty-four hours into our trip, I began feeling sick. Assuming it might have been something I ate, I went to ship doctor to see about getting some OTC antacid. They said they couldn’t give me anything, but did some tests. It turned out that my blood work showed some infection, and after some simple assessment, they greatly suspected appendicitis.  They called ahead to the hospital in Ketchikan, AK (our first Port of Call, the following morning.)  My husband and I had to disembark completely and were told we probably would not be able to resume our 7- day cruise! Such a huge disappointment!

One of my ‘life verses’ is “In everything, give thanks; for this is the will of God concerning you.” (I Thess. 5:18) Through tears of disappointment, yet knowing God’s goodness, I humbly thanked Him for His sovereignty, and that HE was in control. And that none of this was a surprise to Him.  I was admitted to the Ketchikan’s PeaceHealth Medical Center, and given pain meds. Later I learned that a friend I had called to pray for wisdom and this situation lovingly shared the request to many other friends. As we had just been on the massive Pacific Ocean, an apt “word picture” is that I felt like I was being carried on the crest of a huge wave.  The prayers of so many seemed to literally ‘lift me up and carry me along’, despite the physical discomfort, and emotional disappointment, I truly felt a peace ‘not of this world’.  I found myself praying, “Lord, somehow may all of this bring You glory!” Again, I do not say that to make me sound super spiritual, but a testimony of “God is at work, both to will and do HIS good pleasure in us.” (Phil.2:13) God’s grace! God at work!  He’s such an incredible, loving and caring God! Not only is He the Creator of the vast universe, He is intimately aware and cares about the details of our lives!!

The rest of the story…Due to an incredible and caring surgeon and nursing staff, all went well.  We stayed in the hospital until the next afternoon, and the next day caught a flight to Juneau. This was one of the Port of Call, where we were miraculously able to rejoin the cruise. (This is not typically possible, but our daughter (a Travel advisor who was traveling with us), and our surgeon provided all the necessary documentation, to let us return.

My husband was able to catch the excursion leaving for a “Whale Watching” event with my daughter and her family. Her mother-in-law (also on the cruise with us, and with whom I had become good friends) and I did some fun shopping in Juneau.                                       

Less than 48 hours from my time of surgery, I was walking and shopping in the stores of Juneau with my friend. We did that for 3 hours!  I only mention that detail, because it too, was one of God’s sweet gifts to me!  I never felt pain, only a natural tiredness (mostly my feet 😊), after that time.  We both had gotten what we wanted for souvenirs and gifts and were ready to return to the ship.  My husband got to do our planned “Whale Watching” excursion (I was actually able to see some whales from the ship, the next day!), and I felt SO blessed by the fact he didn’t have to miss out on that excursion!

As I reflected on this experience in the days since that event, I realized some important principles to follow. When we experience the ‘unexpected’ (especially a disappointing unexpected), we are essentially at a ‘crossroads’ of sorts. How do we respond? A simple way to remember some important perspectives:

A = Attitude  How will you (and I) respond to the situation? I felt God reminding me of my life verse…”in everything give thanks…”  Not just when things go the way we want them to, but in faith recognizing God’s goodness and ability to “work all things for good, to them who love God and are called according to His purpose..” (Romans 8:28)  I found myself asking Him to show me ways to give HIM the glory, for these situations and experiences!! Again, Him at work, and not due to any righteousness of my own!!

B = Behavior  When I did thank Him, and rested in that assurance of His presence with me, I felt a peace and calmness, that truly was GOD at work! This is the ‘surrender’, that we hear about in sermons, and in the Word! Surrendering to HIS ways, not our own agendas!

C = Consequences  As I have already indicated, the consequence of following the admonition to give thanks in ‘everything’, I experienced how God did truly work things out for good, and blessing!! Philippians 4:6 &7 says “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (NIV)

With many of the friends and family with whom I could share with great joy the blessing of God’s answered prayer, we were truly able to “give God the glory” in that experience.

Another answer to prayer!

So in closing, my very unexpected experience was truly a blessing! The timing of when as well as where it happened (Ketchikan’s hospital is also a trauma center, so was very well equipped, compared to being in a much smaller town. Also the who, the availability of a very competent surgeon who was at that very hospital on that day. (She serves a large geographical area of Alaska).

So finally, what and how will you respond when that disappointing ‘unexpected’ happens? It is my prayer that you and I will ALWAYS respond in faith, and prayer to a VERY  FAITHFUL  AND  LOVING  GOD!  To Him be the glory! Amen!

The Power of Prayer                                                                                             

We set out on our journey, a trip we had so eagerly waited for,

With no idea of all that would happen, or what events were in store.

I had only one short day, before the discomfort and pain would begin,

Soon an ambulance took me to the hospital where I’d be checked in.

As it turned out, an emergency surgery was on the plan for that day,

To remove my appendix the doctor said was “angry” and could not stay.

So many people learned of my issue and quickly spread the word to pray;

Friends and family alike, so lovingly sought our Heavenly Father that day.

Thank you, Lord, for Your faithful answer to so many who lovingly prayed!

Keeping me from greater illness, and for a rest in the hospital where we stayed.

All the details, both great and small, showed us Your love which we now share;

To all those we meet, telling them You are so good, loving, and really care!

 (Written in response to my emergency appendectomy, in Ketchikan, AK   July 23, 2025)

Epilogue:  After we safely returned home, my body was able to relax and rest. I have felt some of the normal, physical consequences (discomfort and recovery) of surgery. But, the realization of God’s AMAZING grace and love continues to be a huge blessing and memory of this very “Unexpected Experience”!

(Hospital image: https://www.peacehealth.org/locations/ketchikan)