If you came over from Encouragement for Today, welcome. In this devo I talked about two plants in my garden (pictured).
One flourished, though it was exposed to all the elements.
The other, safe and secure and nestled among other plants, didn’t grow. Not even one inch after a full season.
Maybe you feel like the exposed plant. It’s too bright. It’s too hot. The rains are coming down too fast.
Your hope is that on the other side of this trial is growth, but what helps you make it and even thrive in hard times?
One of the most powerful anchors to hold to during a trial is scripture.
Today I’ve shared my favorite scriptures that Richard and I have held on to during hard times. Really hard times like cancer. Like financial times when we didn’t know if we would make it. Times such as the year after my child was hit and seriously injured by a drink driver.
Print these out.
Take one scripture per day for the next few days.
Get alone with God and meditate on that scripture. Ask God to make it personal and for the Holy Spirit to blanket your heart and thoughts with the message.
A Scripture a Day During Trials
Scripture: Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12 (ESV)
Thought for the day: Why is this man blessed? It’s not the trial, but the “crown of life”, which is symbolic of eternity. The never ending love of God and His plan for you shines brighter than temporary trials. It’s a forever promise, no matter your circumstances.
Scripture: No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV)
Thought for the day: What is that way of escape, and where do you find it? It’s in His presence. That is where you find strength for another day. Answers in the uncertain times. Promises that keep you hopeful. Peace that is greater than your circumstances.
Scripture: Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Romans 12:12 (ESV)
Thought for the day: What happens today if I rejoice rather than reject, if I am patient rather than striving, and prayerful rather than protesting? Let’s try it together for just one day.
Scripture: Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2–4 (ESV)
Thought for the day: No one promised us easy, or did they? Sometimes our faith is painted as a comfortable faith and yet Jesus suffered for us. He understands what it feels to be tempted, to be hurt or betrayed. He knows hard times. But more so, He knows you. Hang tight. Your Heavenly Father is right there with you, working in you and through you in this trial.
Scripture: Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 1 Peter 4:12–13 (ESV)
Thought for the day: In every test, on the other side we discover what God is teaching and showing us, but more so that He is with us.
Scripture: And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 (ESV)
Thought for the day: What might have happened if God had shared the pits and valleys on the way to the prominent position promised to Joseph, and yet every pit and valley formed and shaped this man to step into destiny. God works all things together for good.
Scripture: Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, ‘For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:35–39 (ESV)
Thought for the day: Right now across the world many are imprisoned and suffering physically for their faith in Christ. Paul knew what it was to be persecuted as well. What did they find — even in chains and with bruised backs — that we can hold on to in our trial? It is God’s love. It’s greater, bigger, more far-reaching than our trial.
Scripture: I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (ESV)
Thought for the day: The world? That means everything and everyone in it. We do not escape tribulation because we live on earth, but we are to take heart in the promises spoken to us that we can have peace in the middle of darkness, or when life is uncertain.
Scripture: . . .do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6–7 (ESV)
Thought for the day: That anxiety keeps you awake. It is your companion. Thanksgiving dismisses anxiety. It gives it a rightful place far below praise, thanksgiving, grace. . . it’s not that your worries aren’t important to God, but that He has promised to carry them. That burden is too heavy for you. That promise alone produces thanksgiving.
What is your “anchor” scripture during trials?
Good morning Susie! I just want to share hope this morning to those of you who are in the midst of one of these trying times where you feel heavy with burden. I am (PRAISE GOD) now on the other side. Two years ago, when my precious daughter nearly died of an eating disorder, we were financially doomed and our marriage was not handling any of these pressures well. I could not imagine, at that time, that life would ever be ok again. In those dark hours, we often lose our perspective. It is in those times, however, that we don’t need to be all strong and spiritual. All we need is to lean on God and TRUST His judgment and RECEIVE what He has for us through this time of trial. I so wish I would have had this group of scriptures and encouragement at that time, but God provided these things in other ways for me and my family. Our struggles are surely not over, but I continue to see the work that God is doing in my life, in my marriage and in my beautiful 21 year old daughter’s life. God used this time in her life to clarify His call for her. I will continue to pray that God’s hand will be on you and your family as you work through these trials with His guiding hand on you.
Thank you so much for sharing. I really appreciate it because when I go through trials mine seem minor compared to others I can think of the scripture I need to hold onto. I appreciate your sharing.
Many Blessings
Cat Miglionico
I have always admired the strength and courage of those who can stand and share their trials/testimonys. I have learned a great deal in the last two years and my faith has grown just by listening. I struggle with trust in these dark days that things will be alright in the end, but get daily affirmations through individuals that God places in my life. I hope to be a strong woman of faith someday.
Amazing grace, Arlene Hopkins
Hi Suzie!!
Thank you so much for these truths! I know them and have seen them through the years as God has provided for my family through the years!
It is just this morning, my daughter on mission field has needs I am asking God to help! However through these she is the flower exposed to the elements and growing! My prayer and ask that she would Never become bitter but she would grow and develope perfectly along side HIM!!!
She is in Austria and soon supposed to be in Uganda for missions! Her name is Amy and she is only 18!!
Blessings and thanks for your courage to tell your stories/ testimonies that encourage us/others to carry on!!!
God bless and keep you!
Karen
Printing this out. Know this ran a little while ago on p31 but I’m so glad it popped up again. It was a blessing from God to me today. Jesus is sweet. It’s a tough week ahead and I’ll keep this on my heart and in my prayer time. Thank you so much.
Suzie, I just read your devo at P31 and then your blog. It seems whenever I read your blog The Lord ushes your words to speak to me right where I am. And tonight is no different. Would you please pray for my 18 yo daughter, Anna? As I type this I am sitting outside of her ICU room. Due to complications from cystic fibrosis she was placed on a ventilator and heavily sedated 10 days ago. ( and that day was my birthday.) I have not heard her voice or seen her smile since. This is the first time we have experienced these type issues wih her, even though the last three years she has been in poor health. Her progress to be taken off the vent has moved slower that her doctors thought, but she is stable right now. She is a beautiful girl inside and out and she loves Jesus. She feels a calling on her life to write and she has that gift. Prior to this she had began her freshman year at UGA planning to major in journalism. Our prayer is for healing, for The Lord to continue to bring her through this, and for her to be placed on the lung transplant list which is the next step, if that is His step. Today my husband and I were able to attend church together. Our closing worship song was Always, by Chris Tomlin. Have you read the lyrics? It is for all of us who face trials. “The God of angel armies is always by my side”. Thanks for reading such a long comment. And for encouraging scriptures on your blog.
Oops! The song recorded by Chris Tomlin is called “Whom Shall I Fear”. Not “Always” as I put in my earlier comment.
Carol
Thank you for sharing. Please pray for me and the strength of my family. My oldest daughter is taking me thru some trials for the last few months and I had just about gave up until I read tonight devotional. I wont give up and I will seek God in the midst of my trials.
A couple of my favorite “anchor” verses during trials are these:
Psalm 63:6 ~ “He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken.”
Jeremiah 17:7-8 ~ “Blessed is the man who trust in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought for it does not cease to bear fruit.”
Your devotion today is a real encouragement to my heart. Thank you.
Sweet Blessings,
Pam