What to Do in the Midst of the Greatest Trial of Your Life

DCF 1.0

Ever feel like you are in the midst of a raging storm? Life brings trials that send us into a tailspin: disease, denial, doubt, depression, desperation, divorce, discouragement, domestic violence, and death. The only way we can survive is to depend on God.

Psalm 89:8-9 says, “Who is like you, LORD God Almighty? You, LORD, are mighty, and your faithfulness surrounds you. You rule over the surging sea; when its waves mount up, you still them” (NIV).

Praise ushers in peace. Inviting the Creator into our trials invites the peace of His presence. This type of dependence on God transfers us into a deeper level of faith, as we trust God to turn our trials into triumphs.

After King David removed evil King Adonijah, he peacefully charged Solomon as he transferred the kingdom, “So be strong . . . and observe what the LORD your God requires: Walk in obedience to him, and keep his decrees and commands, his laws and regulations, as written in the Law of Moses. Do this so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go . . .” (1 Kings 2:2 – 3 NIV)

It seems so simple, doesn’t it? Walk in God’s ways, follow as God directs, keep His commands, and allow Him to lead. The result: God gives favor. God loves obedience; He looks for opportunities to grant our requests.

I can’t tell you how comforting it was to know that aspect of God’s character when I was in the middle of the greatest trial of my life. During a nine-month period, I underwent two surgeries and chemotherapy for stage-four cancer. God granted my request for peace. He also taught me how to surrender and trust Him, as I rested in His peace.

I prayed scriptures such as Psalm 86:11-13, “Teach me your way, LORD, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever. For great is your love toward me; you have delivered me from the depths, from the realm of the dead” (NIV).

I encourage you to allow your struggles and circumstances to take you to a new level of reliance on God. He gives us what no one else can. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid,” (John 14:27 NIV).

I’ve found it helpful to write out everything you have on your mind, allowing your emotions to drain and physically committing everything you’ve written on paper to God. What are some of the ways that you have learned to depend on God and find peace, even during your greatest trials?


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