through the pain

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 have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

- 1 Peter 1:6-7 (NIV)

 

Everyone faces trials; what matters is how we respond to them. I doubt there’s a single person reading this who hasn’t experienced illness, the loss of a friend or loved one, or some form of tragedy. As we fight these battles, we can always run to His arms when the storms feel too strong to bear. The trials are difficult but remember—there is joy on the other side of the pain.

So many unexpected things have happened in my life that I can’t help but believe God has been present through it all, bringing me through countless fires without letting me be badly burned. Even if I can’t always see Him, I know He’s there.

It seems to be human nature to struggle with unhappiness—you can see it in almost every face. But keep sharing the Gospel; we never know when something we say might spark a flame in someone’s heart and lead them to God. There’s no need to pressure, threaten, or distance yourself from anyone. Don’t try to change their mind—just live as an example and let them see Christ through you.

This year, the band CAIN released a song called "I Made It." Listen to the song, read the lyrics—they might resonate with you as deeply as they did with me:
Been a long year

Cried some hard tears on some dark nights

Tried to pray through

Nothing seemed to make the wrongs right (Ooh)

Oh, I can't believe the pain I've seen

But looking back

Through every step, You never left

And I'm so thankful that

I'm coming out the other side stronger

One foot in front of the other

Hands still raising, heart still praising

I made it, I made it, I made it

I made it

Through the storms, the hell and high water

I never left the hands of my Father

Lungs still breathing, thank You, Jеsus

I made it, I made it, I made it

I madе it

Oh, it cost me

But it taught me that You won't quit

How faithful

How amazing that Your grace is

Oh, no matter what this life may bring

I know You'll bring me through

And even in my suffering

Lord, I can trust in You, yeah

I'm coming out the other side stronger

One foot in front of the other

Hands still raising, heart still praising

I made it, I made it, I made it

I made it

Through the storms, the hell and high water

I never left the hands of my Father

Lungs still breathing, thank You, Jesus

I made it, I made it, I made it

I made it
An anonymous person once said, “I believe in the sun even when it isn’t shining. I believe in love even when I am alone. I believe in God even when He is silent.” There is joy to be found in everything—if you look for it, you’ll discover reasons to be truly glad, and hope for joy ahead. It’s not always easy to explain how we can love and trust a God we cannot see, especially when we or those we care about are facing difficult trials. Yet, when we consider all that God has done for us, it becomes clear how worthy He is of our trust. The love and comfort we experience when we fully surrender to Him makes every trial worthwhile.

Even when I feel alone or can’t see Him, I know He is there. And because of Him, I can look back and say I made it.

 

#dailybreadbykitty

Daily Inspiration from the Bible