After dinner one evening, my husband and I were relaxing in the living room, chatting about nothing in particular, when a sudden thud shook the windowpane. We just looked at each other, completely puzzled. We’re used to the occasional bug or hummingbird tapping the glass—but this sounded like something else entirely.

We looked out the window and saw a large bird lying completely still on the ground. Without thinking, I rushed out the back door, hoping he might still be alive. Amazingly, he was. A white-winged dove—nothing unusual in Texas, except this one had tried to fly straight through our window. He looked stunned but didn’t resist when I gently picked him up. I expected him to immediately fly away, but he just sat there in my hands, dazed and confused.

I stepped carefully to the patio table, and had my husband get the big stick our dog loves to play fetch with and lay it on the table. Then, carefully, I placed the bird beside it, hoping he might step away from my hands. Instinctively, he did—shuffling from my palm onto the stick. I sat beside him, just to be sure our dog wouldn’t come too close.

For a good ten minutes, he sat still. Then, signs of life: a twitch of the head, a soft twitter. Then, as if he suddenly remembered what he was—he hopped off the stick and took to the air.

So often, we fly through life carefree, feeling the wind of blessings—until we hit something we never saw coming. Maybe it’s a diagnosis, a financial blow, or a sudden change we didn’t expect. One moment we’re soaring, and the next we’re stunned and grounded, asking, How did this happen? What did I miss?

Jesus never promised a trouble-free life—but He did promise we would never walk through hardships alone.

In Isaiah 41:10, God speaks tenderly to His people: “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

And when we feel most vulnerable, like that dove—too dazed to move—He protects us. As Psalm 63 says, “Because You are my help, I sing in the shadow of Your wings …Your right hand upholds me.”

When life hits hard and we’re left feeling shaken or unsure, we may not know what to do next. But even in those moments, God is already at work. He meets us in our weakness and gently begins the work of restoration. He doesn’t just comfort us—He renews us. Here’s how He shows up when we need Him most:

He picks us up.

“He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.” —Psalm 40:2

He gives us rest.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” —Matthew 11:28

He strengthens us.

“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” —Isaiah 40:29

He continues to guide us.

“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” —Isaiah 30:21

My friend, when those unexpected trials come, remember: God won’t just lift you up and strengthen you for what you’re facing—He’ll also provide His peace and gentle guidance, preparing you to fly once again.

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Journaling Prompt:

• When was a time I felt stunned or “grounded” by something unexpected? How did God meet me in that moment?
• What truth from today’s Scriptures do I most need to hold onto this week? Why?

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Disclosure: Scripture taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION ®. Copyright©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™. Used by permission of Zondervan. Featured photo property of Angie Vallejo.

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