Persevering Through Life’s Trials

“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:23

“Don’t let your trials blow you down; let them lift you up.”  Woodrow Kroll

 

  • Call your prayer partner for your 10- minute prayer call. What a gift it is to have a friend with whom to pray!
  • Gather your Bible, notebook and pen. Go to a comfortable spot and pray and ask God to meet with you today. Ask Him to speak to you and change your heart.
  • Read Hebrews 10:19-25 Write verse 23 in your journal.

Persevering Through Life’s Trials

Trials come in all shapes and sizes. It is our response to them that makes the difference in our lives.

Ten years ago on a beautiful June day, my dear husband was in a serious motorcycle accident.  He broke his C-1 and his T-9 vertebra, and it was a miracle he lived.  I wish I could say I responded to that trial with faith and hope, but I didn’t.  Instead, I remember waking up the next morning alone in our bedroom, and I gave in to self-pity.  I couldn’t believe this happened to us.  My husband was lying in a hospital bed with a broken back.  The accident did not paralyze my husband, but it paralyzed my faith.

As I look back, the decision I made that day to wallow in my sorrows instead of rejoicing in all my blessings led me into a wilderness experience.  It took a long time to find my way out.  I was like the seed that fell among the thorns Jesus spoke about in Matthew 13:22-23.  The worries of this life choked out the Word, making it unfruitful.

I never want to take that path again, and I don’t want you to either.  Let’s pray we will be the seeds that fall on good soil.  We hear the Word and understand it.

What will help us persevere through the trials we face?  Today’s Scripture reading gives us some ideas.  First, “let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings,” (Hebrews 10:22).  Do not run away from God; run to Him.  Continue reading God’s Word.  The enemy wants to keep us defeated, but God’s Word has the power to change us.  Even if our circumstances don’t change, our outlook on the circumstances will change.  God will give us hope.  Hebrews 10:23 says, “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.”  Romans 5:5 (NKJV) tells us, “Hope does not disappoint.” Isn’t that comforting?

Then Hebrews 10:24 says, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”  Find a small group at your local church where you can receive encouragement and where your faith can grow deeper.  We need each other.  Often when we focus on others, it helps us forget our own troubles.

Also, find a prayer partner.  We at Help Club for Moms have found this to be such a powerful tool for spiritual growth.  Ask God to show you a person in your life with whom you can pray each week.

Whatever we do, we cannot give up. We must persevere through trials and hold onto hope.

Questions to Ponder
• Where are you right now? Is your life going well or are you in the midst of a trial?
• How do you respond to trials? Do you run to God or away from Him?
• Are you part of a small group? Are you encouraging one another in your faith?
• Do you have a prayer partner? Are you calling her each week? Make it a priority to pray together!

Faith-Filled Idea

  • If you do not have a prayer partner, start by praying and asking God to direct you to one in your life.  Should you ask one of your Christian friends?  Is there someone in your small group who God is bringing to your mind?  Do you know an older and wiser woman who might be honored to pray with you?
  • Once you find your prayer partner, agree upon a day of the week to pray together and exchange phone numbers.  Keep your call simple and to the point.  Ask each other how you can pray for one another.  If this is new to you and you feel uncomfortable at first, it will get easier the more you do it!
  • Your prayers do not have to be elaborate.  God wants to hear our requests.  Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Be anxious for nothing, 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 comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

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Jennifer Valdois
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9 Comments on “Persevering Through Life’s Trials”

  1. Thanks Jennifer for this study! I love how you encourage us mamas that even when our circumstances don’t change that Gods WORD and our unswerving hope in the Lord will change our outlook!

  2. Thank you for sharing your heart Jennifer! Your story is so powerful and such a great reminder to lean into God during our times of trouble!

  3. The lessons God taught you through your husband’s accident are so powerful Jennifer! Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom!

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