Trust God’s process.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” {2 Timothy 4:7}

I think everyone can agree trials are not fun to face. They can leave us with so much fear, or anxiety and that can be very hard. Yes, God still loves you, He is still good, and He does still have a plan for you. However, how we respond to these trials can be so life changing. Too many times we might accuse God and put the blame on Him for putting you through these hardships. We need to commit to God regardless of what He sends our way. God doesn’t promise we will have a trial-free life, but He does promise He will be there with us through the good and the bad, and He will never leave or forsake you. I have had so many people talk to me about what they are going through, and I have had so many people struggling with the same trials I am. There are so many people around you struggling around you, and you are not alone.

A simple prayer to God thanking Him for never leaving your side, and committing to Him, and letting Him know you will trust Him regardless of how hard the situation is, can be so impactful on your life and your relationship with the Lord. James 1:2-4 says “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 steadfastness. Let steadfastness finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not making anything.” This verse is teaching us to consider the trials we face as joy. We need to think about them as joy, because simply we must go through trials to grow. We have to go through moments that check our faith, because that’s how we grow and become mature in our walk with God. If nothing tested our faith, we wouldn’t get stronger. Everything you go through, the good and the bad is for a reason, and God is putting you through it to make you stronger.

Not all times am I sinking to rock bottom or always facing a really hard situation, but often times I am and that’s normal. Sometimes it takes us hitting rock bottom and struggling for God to teach us what He wants us to know. He is our rock, and our foundation and He is there every step of the way. Through the good and the bad. I often times get too caught up, and only look to God in the bad situations.. but why is that? We should look to Him in the good and the bad. We should praise our King continuously. He is our Father, and He wants a relationship with us. We should be striving to honor God, and worship Him daily because we are His children, and He wants a relationship with us.

John 16:33 says “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – God teaches us how to respond and grow through trials, because He knows they are coming. He may not move the mountain that’s in front of you, but He will always give you the strength to get over it. It’s the same with facing our trials. God won’t always show you exactly how or why something is happening, but He will give you the strength and courage to get through whatever you are faced with. You don’t want your trials to define who you are, but they can help you discover things about yourself. We trust God because of His promises, love, and faithfulness. He is so good, and He will lead you into the perfect destination He has planned for you.

Personal story dealing with a trial: This past 7 months, I have been faced with a health issue and have been in a lot of pain mentally and physically. Everyone asks me how I have been so strong through it all, and honestly my only answer is because I know God always has a plan, and although it’s not fun and easy He is guiding me down the path He wants me to go. Through my trial I have experienced heartache, pain, fear, worry, and even a little bit lost. It’s been so hard being in so much pain, but ultimately I know He is putting me through this to make me stronger, and it will be part of my testimony.

It has took months to finally get some answers to my problem, and it was not easy being strong. Through these past couple of months, there have been times where I have cried to God, asking Him why He was putting me through so much pain. But, He is testing me. Sometimes when you think you are going so strong, you get knocked on your feet. This often happens because God wants you to slow down, and Be still because He has got you. Facing this trial, I have learned and grown so much and I can’t think God enough. Even though this situation has absolutely sucked, and has been so hard and painful.. I am so thankful God put me through it, and helped me stay strong through it all.

Jesus went through trials as well. Matthew 26:39 shows a great model of Jesus praying to His father in time of going through a trial. Prayer is super important, and God’s will is more than our desires. Jesus modeled this when He died on the cross, He put everyone’s needs before His own. We serve such an amazing savior, and there is no one like Him. Respond to your trials like Jesus did. I know it’s not always going to be easy, but God will be with you through it all.

With all this being said, you’re going to face easy and hard trials. Your going to be at the top of a mountain one moment, and under a rock in the next minute. Through every trial and situation you face, God will be right next to you the whole way and He will guide you.. all you have to do is listen and trust Him! God loves you so much and will show you the way. Stay strong, and trust God’s process.

Thanks for reading // lots of love, Carsyn Claire!