A couple of weeks ago, I went into the hospital for routine surgery. I had told all my clients that I would be out for a few days, but that I should be back in action quickly.

That was the plan; but that wasn’t what happened.

As a result of spending four hours on the operating table, I was left with horrible back pain and debilitating spasms that left me unable to return to work. I could sit or recline, but walking from one room to another was difficult at best. I couldn’t even stand long enough to make my daughters’ lunches for school.

To say I felt frustrated at this unexpected obstacle in my recovery is to put it mildly. I wanted to be able to take care of my family again. I wanted to return to work. I wanted to feel like my old self.

Overcoming unexpected obstacles is not always easy–at least not for me. What I have been training myself to do at these moments is begin counting my blessings. No, I couldn’t work, but I managed to sell a house from my bed. (My other job is as a real estate agent.). I couldn’t make the kids’ lunches, but they gladly stepped up to make their own. Though the back pain was excruciating, the area that was operated on was healing nicely and I had no other complications. Focusing my attention on what I could be truly thankful for made this unexpected obstacle easier to bear.

Here are a few Bible verses that might be helpful for when you are dealing with unexpected obstacles:

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28 NIV)

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (James 1:2-4 NIV)

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NIV)