She came to visit me over Christmas – her sweet voice as gentle and patient as always. What a joy it was to catch up late into the night as we took turns snuggling her newest baby girl.
I smile at how our now twenty year-old friendship began: I was a college student, and she was part of a posse of seventh grade girls I was privileged to mentor through their early youth group years. She tells me the story now about how her mom dragged her to youth group crying because she didn’t want to go, and we laugh hard because to know this girl now? She’s one of the most even-keeled, committed Jesus followers I know. Heh. God matured us both during those critical growing years, and formed a bond between us that would last through time, distance, and all kinds of life changes.
{The early years: Sarah’s the one in yellow, and I’m at her right shoulder..}
Now all these years later the roles are reversed, and Sarah has been teaching me about what it means to suffer well.
When you’re young and full of life, no one expects to hear the words “brain tumor.” But after an out-of-the-blue seizure and a whirlwind of specialist visits, this was my friend’s diagnosis a few weeks ago. Brain surgery quickly followed. Critical brain surgery for this precious friend, daughter, wife, and momma to four young girls. I thought of my own children – and her tiny newborn that I had just snuggled at Christmas – and I could barely say the words out loud.
But from the beginning, this girl was determined to focus on truth.
I remember her telling me that she didn’t want to waste this.
Would the journey be easy? Far from it.
Have there been moments of uncertainty? Absolutely.
But in Sarah’s words, “Knowing that God could somehow use it to bring himself glory suddenly gave purpose to this trial.”
My friend has not wasted her suffering. Instead, she has confidently allowed Jesus to shine brighter through her in the midst of it.
Over and over, I have watched Sarah meditate on Scripture, intentionally filling her mind with truth as the waves crashed in harder. How beautiful that as followers of Christ, we’re now able to view our suffering through a different lens than the rest of the world…
No matter what the outcome, my future is secure in Christ (1 Peter 1:4).
This trial will serve a purpose that is greater than my comfort (1 Peter 1:7).
Even in uncertainty there is inexpressible joy (1 Peter 1:8).
Yes, there’s even this “unexplainable” joy, and the world is noticing.
It’s one thing to look back, see God’s hand and recognize the good that comes from suffering after it’s over and resolution has come. It’s quite another to find joy smack in the middle of the hardest days when we don’t know what tomorrow will bring. The question is not if suffering will come, but rather how we will respond when we’re in the midst of it.
“Jesus lost all his glory so that we could be clothed in it. He was shut out so we could get access. He was bound, nailed, so that we could be free. He was cast out so we could approach. And Jesus took away the only kind of suffering that can really destroy you: that is being cast away from God. He took so that now all suffering that comes into your life will only make you great. A lump of coal under pressure becomes a diamond. And the suffering of a person in Christ only turns you into somebody gorgeous.” ~ Tim Keller
WHITNEY! I cried all the way through your post! So true, “The question is not if suffering will come, but rather how we will respond when we’re in the midst of it.”!!! Thank you for sharing! Love you! ~Martha
Martha I agree it’s all about how we handle it. 🙂
I love that there is hope beyond this moment, this time, this trial. One of my favorite passages is Job 23:8-10 “Behold, I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive him: On the left hand, where he doth work, but I cannot behold him: he hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see him: But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” Isn’t that all glory? I can’t see God BUT HE KNOWS where I am.
Amy I love that verse. I am adding it to my list! How great it is He always knows.
Jami (Lgg Encourager)
I have so many favorite verses I cling to in suffering, my recent verse was in Psalm 46:4 I have made you.
I will carry you.
I will sustain you.
I will rescued you….and He did as always!
Marilyn this is my go to verse. It hits me hard every time I need the reminder. Thank you for sharing it for others!
Jami (LGG Encourager)
Do you mean Isaiah 46:4?
“We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose.” -Romans 8:28
“God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of wisdom, courage, and s sound mind.”
These two verses I say everyday!
Shelby Romans 8 is my husbands favorite chapter! Thank you for sharing
Jami (LGG Encourager)
psalm 27:13
I would have despaired had I not believed I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
Love that verse, Kathy. Thanks for sharing it with us. I find the Psalms are so comforting to me when I am going through a season of suffering.
I agree its how we handle it.My go to verse that help me is Phillipans 4:13 , I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me…
This is a great verse! I also love vs 6 and 7 in that chapter that talk about not being anxious, but praying through our situation with a heart of Thanksgiving.
Dear Whitney, this study came at a very important time in my life. I am going through a very rough time in my life and I have cried and cried my eyes out. From Monday till today I have been thanking and thanking God for showing this study. I am not going through my situation now with joy for several reasons: I have a great expectation for everyday, my inheritance is kept for me in heaven and God is being glorified. Praise the Lord. I am living now with so much joy and purpose.
Praying for you, Ebos. Spending time in the Word of God is the best healing balm during difficult times. So glad you are joining us for this study!
Me to Lyli ♡
This has blessed me more than you know!! Thank you for sharing with such transparency, Ebos. All glory to God!
Much love,
Whitney
Sorry I meant I am now going through this study
Jeremiah 30:18-19 keeps me going.
Beautiful passage! I am thankful that our God is a God of restoration.
I have several that have helped me through some difficult times:
Gen 50:20 “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.”
Jer. 29:11-14 ” For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you,’ declares the Lord, ‘and I will restore your fortunes and will gather you from all the nations and from all the places where I have driven you,’ declares the Lord, ‘and I will bring you back to the place from where I sent you into exile.”
Isaiah 46:9-11 “Remember the former things long past,
For I am God, and there is no other;
I am God, and there is no one like Me,
10 Declaring the end from the beginning,
And from ancient times things which have not been done,
Saying, ‘My purpose will be established,
And I will accomplish all My good pleasure’;
11 Calling a bird of prey from the east,
The man of My purpose from a far country.
Truly I have spoken; truly I will bring it to pass.
I have planned it, surely I will do it.”
Love the verses you shared, Jnel! That passage from Isaiah 46 carried me through a very difficult season. I am now on the other side and have come to see how the “new thing” springs up and blooms. The waiting is hard, but it’s worth it!
I started receiving your emails on Monday but did not receive any today. Is there something I should do to get back on your email mailing list?
Carla,
I think there was a glitch with the e-mails today. We are working on fixing that now. Thanks for you patience!
Blessings,
Lyli
LGG Encourager
Thank you.
Some of the verses that remind me I do not face difficult times alone are:
Isaiah 40: 31 “but those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength: they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.”
Psalm 121:1-3, 7 “I will lift up my eyes to the hills- from whence comes my help? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip- he who watches over you will not slumber. The LORD will keep you from all harm-he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”
Isaiah 41:10 “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
Thank you for sharing these verses. They are all great to have. Adding them to my list!! 🙂
Jami (LGG Encourager)
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4 6-7
This was one of many passages that carried me through my mother’s cancer battle and her death, followed two weeks later by my dad’s unexpected passing. I read through my journal of those last few months of her life recently, and there was joy in those journal entries. I don’t know how God does that, but He truly brings us joy in ALL circumstances.
Kendra, thanks for sharing your story with us today. You reminded me of that verse in Nehemiah that says that the “Joy of the Lord is our strength.”
God can do anything you know. Far more than you can ever imagine, guess or request in your wildest dreams. He does it not by pushing us around, but by working within us, his spirit, deeply and gently within us. Ephesians 3:20
Anna,
That is one of my favorite verses. Nothing is impossible for God. He is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all that we can ask or think. What amazing power and grace! Thank you for sharing.
~Terria
Job 13:15a Though he slay me, yet I will trust him
No matter what happens in my life. God is doing amazing things with it! I can trust that even if my trials are so terrible that I die, that it will bring him glory and be for the benefit of those left behind.
Delia,
I have recited that verse many times through clenched teeth and with tears flowing. You are so right about God being absolutely trustworthy. We must allow our Spirit to cleave to God even when our flesh cannot seem to find present comfort in Him. It is all for His glory! Thank you for sharing.
~Terria
This verse has helped me many times over . Exodus 14:14 The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.
Leslie,
This is a wonderful verse that speaks of God’s sovereignty as our defender, our refuge, our protector, our safety net. It has especially helped me in those times when I want to fight my own battles or defend myself. God will do those things for us. Thank you so much for sharing!
~Terria
My words and thoughts are in Ah, as i remember the suffering of our Christ. Our Lord who died that we may have life. As we read and look at how He handled His suffering, it teaches us how to suffer. He never complained, His suffering was intentional for a purpose. And our suffering is also with purpose that others may see Christ and be saved. I love our savior He is amazing He carries us through every trial and every adversity.
Sheree,
Yes! You are so right. Paul in 1 Corinthians 2:2 said the he was determined to know nothing except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. When we look to the Cross, we see Jesus as our example of suffering. Next week when we study Chapter 2, we will see up close in verses 21 – 25 the specific example He leaves for us. So thank you so much for the “preview”, and thank you for sharing!
~Terria
As my husband and I stood next to our 2 day old son’s casket more than nine years ago, I quoted Philipians 4:6-7 and my husband quoted James 1:2-4,”Consider it pure joy, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance complete it’s work, so that you may be pure and complete, not lacking anything.” Every time we sing the praise song based on Job: “The Lord gives and the Lord takes, still I will say ‘Blessed be the name of the Lord’ “, I think of my sweet baby Asher. God is sovereign and He is good.
Oh Angeline,
My heart breaks for you. James 1:2-4 is my life verse and has been a vivid reminder to me that God does not waste a hurt. He does not discard our tears. He does not ignore our cries. Everything we endure and persevere through strengthens us to comfort others who go through it as well. I will be praying for you and your husband! I look forward to the day that I see you and Asher playing and laughing in Heaven for the next hundreds of thousands of years. Bless you!
~Terria
I was diagnosed with breast cancer six months ago and have gone through chemo and surgery and am now in the middle of radiation. What you wrote is TRUTH! After the shock of being told that I had cancer, I told my husband that no matter what happened the Lord would get all of the glory and honor and praise from my story. And He is!! So grateful for my husband capturing all that the Lord is doing in written form. I am hiding it in my heart and also proclaiming it to everyone who will listen!
http://thebattlewedidntchoose.blogspot.com/?m=1
Rachel,
I thank you and your husband for being so transparent and courageous to share your battle in the name of glorifying God. It is so encouraging and uplifting! 2nd Corinthians 1:3-5 is so fitting here: “Praise to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we may able to give them the same comfort God has given us.” Thank you for pouring out your suffering for the world to see so that people see Christ through you! I will be praying for you!
~Terria
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9
It reminds me that God is still in control.
Valerie,
I love the verse you shared. God is with us wherever we go! Your verse reminds me of Isaiah 52:12 which is even more specific…He goes before us AND He has our back as well. “You will not leave in haste or go in flight for the Lord will go before you, the God of Israel will be your rear guard.” He is our ultimate protector in ultimate control, therefore we have nothing to fear. Thank you for sharing!
~Terria
Psalm 46:10
Be still, and know that I am God…
So many times this is the verse I turn to. Not for true stillness but stillness of my mind and my worries and my concerns. If I can just be still then I will know who leads me.
Casie,
I love that you meditate not simply on being still of motion, but being still of anxiety, worry, doubt, hesitation, and fear. God will be exalted above all things. He will have the last word. Our trust can lie in Him. Thank you for this verse and this reminder!
~Terria
Proverbs3:5-6 trust in The Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.
The Lord used this verse during the death of our 7 year old daughter 10 years ago. He made it so very clear that my part was to trust Him, acknowledge Him and that He would lead me, and that I didn’t need to understand. What a comfort to trust the living all powerful God. I have learned to embrace the trials no matter how big or how small. That is when the grace is given to walk through them. Walking with Jesus everyday, reading His word prepares me for whatever comes. And knowing that everything comes from Him. He loves us and wants what is good for us. The hard times draw us to Him which is the good thing. More of Him and less of me.
Blessings to everyone, Kelly
Kelly,
I can’t imagine the devastation you must have experienced. To cling steadfastly to God through all of the suffering is such a wonderful testimony for all with whom you share your story. Thank you for reflecting Christ and giving us a demonstration of true surrender to His will. I will be praying for you. Thank you again for sharing!
~Terria
Although there are so many go to verses and I love those shared by others, the ones I cling to the hardest are “As for God, His way is perfect. ” “The Lord God omnipotent reigns. ” “All things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son. …” As new Christians we entered the struggles of infertility followed by having four children in two years through adoption and birth. A few months later a drunk driver killed my mom and 2.5 years later our youngest son and our unborn child were killed in a car accident. Although on life support and suffering from many various and grievous injuries the Lord miraculously healed me. These verses became precious in the early years of my Christian walk and are still some of my favorite go to verses. Life is still hard… the trials just look different. .. but the Lord is with me and will never leave me nor forsake me… another favorite verse. ☺ It is so hard to not share more verses. .. so many come to mind.
PS I am so enjoying this study and it comes at such an appropriate and meaningful time in my life. Thank you.
Kathleen,
Words cannot express how sorry I am that you have had to endure so much. I can’t help but notice that your favorite verses speak of God’s attributes of His perfection, His omnipotence, and His power over every circumstance and situation. I’m sure that anchoring your heart deep to these particular verses kept you from drifting and being tossed to and fro in your grief. God is never closer to us than when we are heartbroken. Your life is a testimony to all who hear it! Women need to hear how you were able to breathe again, to live again, and to laugh again after experiencing such loss. Unbelievers need to hear how you were able to cling to God and how you still trust Him with your everything. Thank you so much for sharing. I have been so blessed by you this morning! I’ll be praying for you!
~Terria
I have been blessed reading the verses and trials shared here today. I have wept with and prayed for each of you. My view of trials has changed so much over the years as my faith has matured and as I have grown in my understanding of the perfect love and soveriegnty of God.
In a perfect world we would have no fear. We would walk in reckless faith knowing Who holds tomorrow and Who has already gone before us. We would live in anticipation of our eternal home. But, the reality is, we are fallen, fragile beings. We hurt and are hurt. We become comfortable with this life we live. The loves of our life and the “things” we value are central to our life here. Often when I go through a trial, it feels like the worst pain and scariest position to be in. Then after it passes, I look back and think, “what was I so afraid of?” Usually my fear can be attributed to lack of control or the irrational perception that I had control to begin with.
My favorite verse (for anything in life) is 1 Corinthians 12:9-10
“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
His grace is all sufficient. I need to be weak, and know that it is OK to be weak, because His strength is perfect. He is glorified not in my strength but in my weakness.
I also love the stinging response/rebuke God has to Job (after Job has gone through major trial) in Job 38-39, “where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth…” and Job’s reply is my own (Job 40) “I am unworthy – How can I reply to you?”
These verses comfort me when I am led through the Refiner’s fire. To know that God is indeed God and I am not. The realization that my longing should ultimately be for my eternal home and not to love this temporary one.
Rev 22:20 – Even so, come quickly, Lord Jesus!
Crystal,
You have said everything so beautifully here. Thank you so much for sharing and encouraging all of the women with your post! <3
~Terria
Romans 14:7-9, also Psalms 139 is a favorite.
All,
I’ve read each and every comment, and my heart is so touched by the verses you shared. Do you see the incredible TRUTH displayed on this page?!?! All glory to God, our all-sufficient Savior!!!
So, so much love for you girls!
Love,
Whitney
Six years ago, my then 23 year old son was diagnosed with squemous cell carcinoma, cancer of the tongue, stage four; an anomaly for someone his age and no history of ever having smoked, chewed tobacco, or anything else. He went through a grueling 10 hour surgery followed by weeks of chemotherapy and radation. He had just gotten engaged about six weeks before he was diagnosed. The night of his surgery, after seeing him hooked up to every conceivable tube and on a ventilator I went back to our room in the Cam Neeley House where family members could stay. While alone, I fell apart. I screamed into a pillow pounding the bed with my fists and cried out, God, how could you let my son go through this? He LOVES you. Hes always been faithful; never walked away! I felt it was unjust. And in that moment, God showed me his son, on the cross, and what he had given up for my son, so that my son could live. He had not left us alone. I felt no condemnation for my anger, or my grief. I felt Gods tears in my soul, healing me, giving me peace. I knew then, that God understood the depth of my pain. I relied on Psalm 91 throughout Greg s treatment and healing. Every single word of that psalm has precious meaning to me. Gregory is completely healed. He is married and has a beautiful son; 14 months old who happens to be the apple of my eye. God has taught us all so many things through this journey, that we could all write books. Psalm 23 became particularly meaningful to Greg during this time. Yes, God restores our souls! Hallelujah!
Karen,
What a wonderful testimony to the faithfulness of God! “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” I love Psalm 91! Praise God that Greg is healed. What a mighty God we serve! I wish you would write a book about your journey of faith, Karen. I would definitely read it! Blessings to you and your family. <3
~Terria
That’s really thinking at an imvsirsepe level
That’s a cunning answer to a challenging question
It’s a real pleasure to find someone who can think like that
In spite of all the grief and the loss of my family during my mom’s death due to my sisters greed God has given me peace. He has walked before me and held my hand. His word promises that my enemies will not triumph over me and that He will never leave me nor forsake me. The hardest part for me is that I grew up with my sisters for 57 years and never knew that they hated me. I can not allow their anger and hatred to conform me to the ways of the world but I must learn to be holy (which means to be separated) as Christ is holy. I must learn to love deeply with my whole heart as Christ gave up His life on Calvary for me. My sisters have turned my entire family against me but thanks be to God that I can stand in the midst of this trial and walk in Joy Unspeakable and full of Glory. In Psalm 27 it states that God is light and my salvation whom shall I fear the Lord is the stronghold of my life of whom shall i be afraid. When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh when my enemies and foes attack me they will stumble and fall. For in the day of trouble he will set me save in his dwelling. In all things give thanks to the Lord and rejoice.