Trials

We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.
2 Corinthians 4:8-9 (NIV)

Life is full hard stuff. Sometimes we can feel overwhelmed and like giving up, but we need to press on. Jesus said that we would have a lot of trials and tribulations in this world, but we need not despair. Why, because our hope is in God. Hope helps us see that God restores us, and that we don't need to become paralyzed by the problems in life, even if there seems to be no way out at the time. God will show us the way out if we allow Him to guide us.

Right now, you may be surrounded by trouble, but you are not alone. You cannot get stuck in this place because you are not without help. You have a great support. God is your helper. You don’t have to be perplexed, uncertain, or concerned about your future. God has promised to get you through it. Even if you are being persecuted by your enemies, rejected or cast down, God says, “I will never leave you.” There’s no need to fight your fears. Put your trust in God and allow His power to work through your weakness. We need to remember to not get stuck in our fears and troubles, because God is still on His throne working on our behalf.

In this life, we will be pressed, sometimes crushed, and perplexed, but we shouldn't be in despair. Because no matter what storm we face, no matter what kind of trouble comes along, and no matter who’s out to get us, the truth remains the same-God is still God and He loves us!

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
Romans 5:3-5 (New Living Translation)