Basically we realize we are not in control any longer, if indeed we ever were. We are going to have to rebuild after the flood or hurricane, find a new job, recover from bankruptcy, endure embarrassment, danger or discomfort. The passage in Romans that says God works all things together for good can seem pretty unrealistic and make us question if God really considers us His own.
But this is the deal: God is just way bigger than any mess we are in. It seems overwhelming to us, but to God it is just an opportunity to be faithful in God's covenant to care for God's people. God longs for us to experience love, hope, joy, redemption, renewal and all good things, but God does not force these things on us. So when we are in a mess and particularly aware of how much we long for good things, this is the time we think seriously about depending on God more fully. We may need to release something from our lives like overspending or ego or unforgiveness. We may need to embrace something like forgiving or accepting or giving. We may need to change our priorities or change our thinking. Or we may simply be required to wait patiently (this is the toughest for me!) until God's time to act arrives.
Whatever change is coming we find that God is bigger than our biggest mess, our biggest need, our biggest fear and God is always working for our highest good, calling us to the most loving relationship with God and already knows how it will all fold into our lives and faith and hope.
I can affirm with confidence and hope: GOD IS BIGGER THAN THIS SITUATION.
Romans 8:28-32 We know that God works all things together for good for the ones who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose.