Ten Truths for Times of Trial

1. God is not a vending machine; He is the Almighty One who deserves honor, trust, and praise at all times, even when life brings circumstances we would not choose.

2. God is not absent or silent in our trials; He sees all and carefully stewards our time, resources, losses, and gains. He is present, working, and more than able!

3. God is not part of life; He is both the source and purpose of life. If He has allowed something hard, He can teach us about Himself through it and that knowledge is ultimately more precious than anything we lose.

4. People are not problems to be solved or an interruption to our work; loving them IS the work.

5. Life is not about how many goods we attain, how many achievements we accomplish, how many accolades we collect, how many campaigns we grow or products we sell; it is about coming to know that God is worthy and we are not. 

6. Ultimately, I cannot help others in any lasting or truly lifechanging way; only the Lord can. Sometimes I have the privilege of His choosing to use me. That is not a credit to me; this is His gracious gift. 

7. When I cannot be physically present to help, I can pray. God is moved by our intercession.

8. Life doesn’t begin when the trial ends. Life—serving, making a difference—is going on while you walk a hard road. Not being able to “do” all that you want does not disqualify you from sharing in His kingdom or stop you from making a difference. 

9. In your current condition, in your weakest, your life is already highly valuable, beyond measure, a pleasure to your Heavenly Father and your family, church family, and co-workers. You won’t be more lovable when you are healed from this condition/ circumstance, and you won’t be less when you have the need to talk or pray with or ask help from a friend.

10. We don’t bless people because we are problem-free. We don’t serve because we have something to give. We don’t teach because we have wisdom to impart. We don’t suddenly get free from the curse when one problem “finishes”—because another one will come. We push forward in faith because we believe our Heavenly Father is worthy of our trust and worth our faithfulness.