Trials. We all have them. As far as I can tell, no one is exempt. There have been trials that I thought I wouldn’t survive—where it felt like the weight of the world was crushing my chest and taking my breath away, such as when my mother and brother-in-law died unexpectedly within a few short weeks of one another. There have been other trials that didn’t feel like they would kill me, but they came one after another, leaving me exhausted. Can anyone else relate?

Unfortunately, I think it’s called life. And there is no way to avoid it.  I once heard someone say that we are either going into the fire, in the middle of a fire, or coming out of it. And so it is, the circle of life – mountains and valleys, highs and lows, and everything in between.

In fact, Jesus tells us in John 16:33 that challenges and struggles are a part of this broken world, but that isn’t the end of the story. He says in the same verse that we can have peace because He has overcome the world.

If we are followers of Christ, He is with us during every part of the storm.

I love the verses in Isaiah 43:1-3 which say that God calls us by name, we belong to him. and when we walk through difficulties He is with us because He is our God. It is so comforting to know that He is always with us. When it’s beyond what we can imagine, and we think we won’t make it through, God assures us of His love for us and that He never leaves us.

While I was devastated (that word isn’t even close to describe the crushing of my heart) when my mom and brother-in-law passed, I knew in the depths of my heart that my God would see me through it. It wasn’t a surprise to Him. He knew and was with me through the whole horrifying ordeal. I know for some this where the rubber meets the road, including me. Life is hard and it hurts. Are we going to believe Christ will see us through or are we going to walk away from our faith? I’d be lying if I didn’t say there were days I had my doubts and was discouraged, but leaning into my relationship with Christ is what carried me through that time, not running from Him.

Another scripture that comforts me when my hope is waning is: “Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning.” (Psalm 30:5, NLT). This verse can be hard to swallow when we can’t see straight through our tears, but we can be encouraged that joy will come.

I thought I might never experience joy again after losing my mom and walking through such heavy grief. Joy seemed like a dream, but God is true to His Word and joy has come. Most days, I count His gifts and recognize that joy that comes in different shapes and sizes.

Maybe it is a kind word from a friend, the laughter of my kids, flowers in bloom, or even the peace from knowing I will see my Mom again on the other side of eternity. Simple, daily things are the ones that most often spark a smile and remind me God is always good and there is much to be grateful for even in the midst of trials. Life looks differently without my mom here, and I still bear the wounds of deep grief, but joy has come in unexpected ways through God’s grace and mercy.

See, things come and go. Trials. Heartbreak. Jobs. Friends. And even though we may feel like the hard stuff will never end, the truth is a new season is always around the corner. In fact, King Solomon reminds us of this in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 when he says there is a time for everything.

Friend, I am not sure what trial you are going through, but God sees and knows. May He bless you and give you peace to overcome whatever you are facing right now. As we reflect on our lives, may we be reminded that we have made it through previous struggles, and we will get through this one too because of Immanuel. God with us. Always.