Trials. As my youth pastor said, “If you’re not in one right now, then you just finished one, or there is one on its way.” Not to be a downer! (Happy Friday!) But it’s true. As believers, God didn’t say he’d protect us from trials, but rather he said they would come. However, God doesn’t leave us stranded to wade through them alone, nor does he allow trials to occur to harm us. Rather, He pours out grace and truth as he walks with us through our valleys, allowing them to happen for our good and his glory. Check this out, this is beautiful: every thing that gives Him glory is for our good, and everything that is for our good, gives God glory. The two go hand in hand; they’re inseparable.

I don’t know where you’re at today. Maybe you are just getting over a trial, or perhaps one is on the way, or maybe you’re right in the middle of one. Perhaps you’re like me where life is good, however you’re battling through a few things in your heart and life. They’re hard. Tears make a visit every now and then. Sometimes you feel defeated, overwhelmed or hopeless. Or you wonder if this will ever end.

Sweet sister, let’s walk this out together. Let’s look at God’s truth that points us to Him. His word is full of hope, light and courage. He pours out His grace upon us constantly- like a waterfall, it never ends. Let’s peer into what He says about our trials:

1. God promises that He is causing this trial because it’s for our good, and “our good” is that it is making us more like Jesus.

Romans 8:28-29 || “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.”

2. God promises to sustain us. He has given us all we need in life, and godliness. He knows exactly what we need in this exact moment, and is providing for us. He has not forsaken or forgotten us. We are constantly on His mind, and He cares for us.

2 Peter 1:3 || “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us to his own glory and excellence.”

3. God is our loving Father. He is for our good and loves us with a tender, merciful and gracious heart. He cares for us. He is careful with us. And He is strong; He wants to carry our load- our anxiety, stress, fear, hurt- let’s run to Him with our pain. He cares so much for us.

1 Peter 5:7 || “…casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.”

4. God is sovereign. He is totally in control, all-powerful; He is all wise, knowing what’s best for us & He is all good, doing everything out of love. This trial was not a surprise to Him, but rather part of His plan to draw us closer to Himself. His word is faithful- what He says is true. And He welcomes us with open arms to find refuge in Him.

Ps. 18:28, 30 || “For it is you who light my lamp; the LORD my God lightens my darkness….this God- His way is perfect; the word of the LORD proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in Him.”

I don’t know what trial you may be walking through today, sister. And I certainly don’t doubt the pain and hurt you may be feeling. They’re difficult. Sometimes the trials God leads us through are so painful, it takes everything within us just to get up in the morning and make it through the day. We spend hours on our knees crying out to God because we know only He can help and heal. Perhaps it’s a wayward child, a broken marriage, a loss in the family; maybe it’s a tension in a friendship, fear for the future, a financial struggle; maybe it’s an unmet desire, a shattered dream or a break up.

Wherever your heart may be today, I know that my God sustains. I know that He sees you right where you are and is reaching out to grab hold of your hand, to walk this out with you. I know He loves and cares for you, and even in this trial, it is a sweet grace because He’s using it to refine you. He loves you so much that He is molding you to be more like Himself. He is inviting you into deeper intimacy- He’s giving you an opportunity to better understand and know His character and heart. He’s giving you an opportunity to practice faith- to really live out trust.

Do you really believe that God is faithful, powerful, and trustworthy in this very situation? Do you believe that He will take care of you, and even though it’s painful, that He’s allowing this for your good? Oh how He loves you! This is an opportunity to meet with Jesus. To walk with Jesus. Day by day. Moment by moment. Breathe by breathe.

Let Him meet you in this. Let him hold you. Sustain you. Lead you. Comfort you. Let Him be your refuge, hope and strength. Seek Him for wisdom and grace. He is all-sufficient. He will see you through; promise.

“I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living! Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!” || Psalm 27:14