What to Say to Those Enduring Trials
Every time the coach whistled to send in another substitute instead of her son, she felt her frustration build like a burgeoning volcano certain to blow at any second. Why doesn’t he see his potential? Why is he wasting all our time?! Doesn’t he know how humiliating it is to stay seated on the bench? she seethed in her mind. It was all she could do to stay seated in the stadium instead of marching out onto the field to give the coach a piece of her mind.
But instead, God gave her a peace of His own. Is there any better way for him to learn patience, trust, and humil-ity than on that lonely, lowly bench? God said to her spirit.
And she realized the truth. Trials take us to a fork in the road: to protest the path and part ways with God as we seek to establish control of our own, or to simply trust Him. As we encounter difficulty or see our loved ones suffer, it’s tempting to focus on the circumstances and to fight our way out of them. But this is the place where we most need to pray, asking for God’s wisdom and perspective. In these moments, our words can urge others down the right or wrong path. In the midst of the pain, let’s put the focus where faith grows strongest: on Jesus.
Life-Giving Words for Those Enduring Trials
We are afflicted in every way but not crushed; we are perplexed but not in despair; we are persecuted but not abandoned; we are struck down but not destroyed. II CORINTHIANS 4:8–9
What you are enduring is difficult, but God is stronger. He will not let you be crushed.
I know how to make do with little, and I know how to make do with a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me. PHILIPPIANS 4:12–13
Our circumstances don’t determine our success. Our Savior does.
Consider it a great joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you experience various trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing. JAMES 1:2–4
God is growing you up so that you not only understand His comfort in this area, but are also equipped in a unique way to extend it to others.
But as for you, be strong; don’t give up, for your work has a reward. II CHRONICLES 15:7
The only way you can fail is if you give up. Keep trusting the Lord and watch what He will do.
One who is righteous has many adversities, but the LORD rescues him from them all. PSALM 34:19
God didn’t say our lives would be pain-free. But He promises to walk us through every trial to a place of victory.
