When the handle comes off

This morning, I went to open my door to the car, and the handle broke right off!
I suppose sometimes I might be tempted to yell inaudibly, or kick the door or think a swear word...
but today, I just went in through the other door and went on my way. I guess I took it as one of those "that's life" moments. As I was thinking of that on the way to work this morning, it hit me that there are probably many people out there, today, with a "broken handle" problem; but it is much more serious than a physical car door handle.

They feel the handle has come off of their life. They think they are opening a door that should work, and all of a sudden, everything changes. They are told they are not loved anymore by the one who promised to love them forever. They are told there is not enough money and with mandatory layoffs, it is their turn. They are told something negative turned up on the x-ray.
Or, it could be a number of life's "broken door handle" circumstances.

The real question is not whether it is going to happen; but what should we do when it does happen? Better yet: what does God want us to do when it happens? Here are some brief thoughts that guide me in the "broken door handle" kind of stuff.

1) Give thanks
I Thessalonians 5:16-18 - "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
It might seem strange to give thanks when the handle comes off; but there is always something to give thanks for. If it is just the handle, thank God it wasn't the whole door. Get the idea?
Plus, God promises in many places, including Romans 8:28, 29, that all things, including this, is a part of God's plan for our spiritual good and the process of conforming to His will.

2) Commit it to God
Philippians 4:6-8 - "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is nay excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."

God does want us to cry out to him about the broken handle and tell him exactly how we feel. But included in that is deciding not to worry about it, give thanks and leave it with God. And then commit yourself to thinking about the truth in that circumstance. So, whether it is something as small as a broken car door handle or more serious like a disease or broken relationship, your heart and mind can be set on the right things.

3) Get counsel
Proverbs 11:14 - "...in an abundance of counselors there is safety."
After we give thanks, and after we take it to God, leave the anxiety with God and think about it rightly, it is time to talk to others we trust. And if we are having trouble thinking about it rightly, someone else who is walking with God can be a huge help in that area. God could solve your problem or at the least, give you additional support through a friends' counsel.

4) Do your part
Philippians 2:12 - "...work out your own salvation with fear and trembling."
This is not about earning your salvation, but it is about living out your salvation - "working it out" in everyday life. And when the handle comes off, and once you have prayed and sought counsel, it is time to make a decision and do your part. The results are up to God, but He still asks us to step forward to do what is good and right in every situation.