When trials sneak into our lives and destroy our peace, it can be so hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. If you’re human, you know exactly what I mean. How do we overcome it? How can we possibly see the good in a situation that has gone up into flames? I don’t know if you are walking through a fire today, but whether its today or in the future, I want you to know that you’re gonna be okay.
I had planned this blog weeks ago. I was inspired to tell you that no matter what you are going through today, it’s going to be okay. That was right before a huge loss happened in my life. I no longer felt motivated to write this and it didn’t feel like everything was going to be okay in my own life. It was a struggle to eat or sleep and I couldn’t think of anything other than the loss of my relationship. But, instead of sitting in a puddle of tears, I chose to trust God through the pain. Even though it can be SO difficult to see God moving in moments like these, I know He has good plans for all of us.
If there is anything I have learned in life, it’s that pain is not meaningless. If everything in life went as comfortably as possible, with no bumps here and there, how would we grow? How would we learn to become a better version of ourselves?
“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.” -James 1:2-4 NIV
These verses are like an anthem song for me. When difficult times arise, I repeat them over and over reminding myself that I am facing a time of growth. I like to see myself as a flower that cannot grow without a little rain. I know I will grow much more mature and complete, becoming a better version of myself than I was before. I will not allow the difficulties to break me apart, I will use them to grow stronger and move closer to my Father.
Another important thing to notice about the scriptures above is where it says “whenever you face trials…” Whenever you face trials, not if you face trials. There is no skipping or getting around the struggles of life. This is not meant to discourage you or make you feel hopeless. This is me telling you that you need to get ready. Stand up, put your armor on, and get ready for war! A person running a marathon doesn’t wake up the morning of their race and decide to run 26.2 miles, no, they prepare themselves for it. They train, work out, and eat healthy, so when the day comes they will run with endurance!
Hebrews 12: 1-2 tells us to “run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” This verse brings hope and instruction. We are all running a race in this life. When we get tripped up we can either fix our eyes on the struggles or we can fix our eyes on our Savior who loves and wants the best for us. I could easily go back to bed, look at old photos, listen to old voicemails, and melt into my sadness. Or I can get up, pull open the window shades, and focus on how I can help someone else in need. So lets get up, lace up our shoes, and get ready for that race!
“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” – Ephesians 6:13-17
This means when we spend time with God in His word and in prayer, we are preparing ourselves for battle. I have learned from my own personal experience that when I do not spend quiet, intentional time with Him, I am weak and vulnerable. I give up way too easily and I am so quick to believe the enemy’s lies. If we don’t read the truth, we won’t know the truth. If we don’t prepare for the race, we will give up when it starts to get tough. The Bible tells us that the enemy prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). He will use your insecurities and fears against you, but when you hide God’s truth in your heart, those fears and insecurities will not stand.
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up…” -1 Thessalonians 5:11
During this loss, I have really needed advice and encouragement to keep moving forward. I am so thankful for the community of people who spoke truth into my heart during a very difficult time of my life. Do not try to go through difficult times alone. The Bible tells us in Ecclesiastes 4 that two are better than one, because if one falls down the other helps them up. Seek advice from other wise Christians who can lead you towards the truth. Never feel ashamed to tell others about your struggles because God sees community as a necessity in our walk with Him.
I trust that the storms I have been through in life can be an encouragement to someone else. I don’t know what you’re going through today, friend. But Jesus does, and you never have to go through it alone. Keep looking forward and grow into the beautiful flower you were created to be. So thankful for you!
Keep growing and Keep living free
-Hannah C.
Struggling with something that is holding you back from truly being your best self? Check out my first post href=”http://livefreehannahc.com/2018/08/02/learn-how-to-truly-live-free/”>
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Hannah, I love this and you so much. I’m so very proud
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