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

 

  • Gather your Bible, notebook, and pen. Go to a comfortable spot and pray, asking 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.

One thing we can be certain of in this life is that we will face trials. They come in all shapes and sizes, but it is our response to them that makes the difference.

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 had 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 that 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 10:22a). 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 5:5a (NKJV) tells us, “Hope does not disappoint.” Isn’t that comforting?

Then Hebrews 10:24-25 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 to 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.

Whatever we do, we cannot give up. One of my favorite Scriptures is Romans 5:3-5:

Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

We must persevere through trials and hold on to hope.

Blessings and Love,

Jennifer V.

Questions to Ponder

  • Where are you right now? Are you in the midst of a trial?
  • How are you responding to the trials you face? Are you running to God or away from Him?
  • Are you part of a small group? Do you have a community where you can encourage one another in your faith?
  • Do you have a prayer partner? Are you calling her each week? Make it a priority to pray together! If you don’t have one, ask God to show you who you can ask to be your prayer partner. He will provide!

Faith-Filled Ideas

If you are currently going through a difficult trial, ask God to bring someone or something to encourage you. You will be amazed by how God answers!

Ask God to reveal to you how you may be a blessing to someone who is walking through a difficult time. Maybe it’s a text or a phone call to a friend or a neighbor going through a difficult time. As you minister to others in their time of need, you too will be refreshed.

Jennifer Valdois
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