I Did Not Expect THAT To Happen

I Did Not Expect That to Happen

By Steve Backlund

There are moments in life (both personally and in society) when we find ourselves saying, “I did not expect that to happen.” It could be a diagnosis that comes out of nowhere, a relationship shifts suddenly, a leader falls, a war breaks out, an election that surprises us, or an economy shakes. Unexpected events have a way of exposing what we truly believe about God, ourselves, and the future.

The unexpected is not a sign that God has lost control. It is often an invitation to upgrade how we respond. Below are four ways to respond to the unexpected, whether it shows up in your personal life, in your relationships, or on the world stage.

1. Refuse to Partner with Fear But Choose Faith-Focused Curiosity

Fear wants to immediately interpret the unexpected as proof that things are going downhill. Faith asks better questions. Instead of “What if this gets worse?” we ask, “God, what are You revealing, refining, or redirecting?” Curiosity anchored in faith keeps us from emotional paralysis and opens us to divine insight.

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7). When unexpected events happen in the world, fear-based narratives multiply quickly, but 1) sound mind resists panic and looks for Heaven’s perspective, 2) power reminds us we are not helpless, and 3) Love keeps us from demonizing people while we discern the bigger things God is doing. 

2. Strengthen Your Inner World Before Trying to Fix the Outer One

Unexpected circumstances often expose where we have been drawing our strength. Before we rush to control outcomes, we are invited to invest into our inner life (our thoughts, beliefs, and emotional responses). Those who govern themselves well will not be governed by chaos.

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it” (Proverbs 4:23). In a personal crisis or global unrest, guarding our heart does not mean ignoring the facts of what is happening, but it means refusing to let turmoil become our internal leader. Peace is not the absence of trouble; it’s the presence of God ruling our inner world.

3. Speak Hope-Filled Truth, Not Reactionary Opinions

The unexpected tempts us to speak quickly, emotionally, and reactively, but our words either create stability or amplify confusion. As we mature in our beliefs, we won’t just react to events; but like Joshua and Caleb in Numbers 13, we will interpret  them with hope, truth, and prophetic perspective.

“Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt” (Colossians 4:6). In times of surprising events, people are listening closely, not for louder voices, but for wiser ones. We don’t deny problems, but we refuse to agree with hopeless conclusions. Our words can become anchors for others in the storm.

4. Expect God to Move in Ways You Didn’t Anticipate

Here’s the great paradox: the unexpected often becomes the doorway to unprecedented breakthroughs. God is not limited by our expectations, and many times He exceeds them in uncomfortable ways. When we release our need for predictability in life, we make room for divine creativity.

“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think…” (Ephesians 3:20). Some of God’s greatest works begin with us thinking, “I didn’t see that coming.” What looks like disruption may actually be divine repositioning—personally, nationally, and globally.

Final Encouragement

The unexpected does not disqualify us, but it reveals us. It shows us what we believe, how we lead ourselves, and where we place our trust. Even when our initial response is fear and disappointment, we will find a grace to empower us into faith in uncertain times. When we respond with faith, guard our heart, speak hope, and expect God to move, we turn surprise into strength.

You may not have expected that to happen, but God already prepared you for it.