Read James 1:2-18

If you read your Bible or have gone to church for any amount of time, you’ve probably heard countless stories about God’s power, wisdom, and might. This is a God that spoke the universe into existence. He conquered entire nations and armies without even lifting His finger (cf. 2Chronicles 20). Nature and all of creation obey His commands. He tells us, “my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways.” (Isaiah 55:8) Yet, when suffering and trials come along in our lives, we can quickly start to think God has lost His handle on things.

The truth is, no one wishes for suffering and trials in life. Sickness, loss, pain, and heartbreak are things we’ll work our hardest to avoid. But could it be possible that God’s plans and agenda for your life looks quite different from your own plans and agenda? Could it be that God’s best for your life is actually better than what you could imagine, but it can only found on the other side of certain trials? God never promised perfect relationships, comfort, success, or financial stability, but what He’s promised is Himself—that He would never leave nor forsake you (Heb. 13:5). So when you face trials and suffering in life, could it be that God isn’t loving you less but He’s actually loving you more? Because in your suffering, you get the chance to experience God’s presence in a time where you need it the most.

Do you struggle to trust in God’s love, faithfulness, wisdom, and goodness in the midst of trials? How has God’s presence shown up in trials you’ve already gone through in the past? Pray that God would strengthen your faith especially for the trials that will inevitably come.