Have you ever felt like everything is going wrong? If it’s not one thing it’s another? In life we all face trials. Sometimes life feels hopeless, challenging, and dark. In these times, you might feel lost, lonely, scared, sad, and even angry. If we turn to the Bible, there are many stories of trials and tribulations.
James 1:2-4 states, “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.”
1 Peter 1:6 states, “In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.”
These verses remind me of the purpose of the trials and tribulations we face. Sometimes it is hard to understand why we must go through difficult things. God tells us that he is testing our faith, growing us, teaching us perseverance, and making us complete.
John 16:33 states, “I have told you these things, so than in me you have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
2 Corinthians 4: 8-9 states, “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”
In every instance of darkness, doubt, and despair, God offers light, hope, and joy. He does not want us to be in pain or trouble. No matter how lost we are, how much we get knocked down, and how dark it gets, God always provides light and guidance.
I have learned that the times I am mad at God and feel like all else is gone, that these are the times to really lean into him. Praise him through the storm. Praise him when you are mad. God always shows up. Maybe not on our timeline or how we would like Him to, but he will always reveal himself.