Scripture Reference: Psalm 139: 13-16

As little girls, we grow up wishing for a fairytale life.  As we grow older, we realize that life is not at all like a storybook – hard times aren’t always followed by happily ever after.  But through it all, we learn that with God, we can get through anything.  We go to church, read the Bible, hear other people’s testimonies, and even give a few testimonies of our own. We manage just fine, despite the harshness of reality.

Sometimes though, the battles are tougher than usual. Many of us experience a trial that requires us to fight for our lives. Something devastating happens, and we feel like the wind has been knocked out of us.  We don’t recognize the world around us.   Some of us end up crouched in the fetal position, agonizing over our emotional pain.  We start doubting ourselves, wondering if we have any value, wondering why we can’t ever get anything right, wondering why we exist, wondering why God has let us down.

We isolate ourselves to keep from revealing our insecurities.

It’s in those moments that we realize, like the old song says, “If I ever needed the Lord before, I sure do need Him now!”

But, that’s the key. If you can, in that moment of sheer desperation, remember that God is there… that simple knowledge is what will get you through.

God loves you.  His love is undying, everlasting, and unconditional. There may be times during which you may not feel God’s love.  The pain may seem unbearable and you may begin to think that God has forgotten you.  This is absolutely not true. Even in the lowest valley, we cannot be separated from God’s love.  He will love us through our problems.

Who Are You?

The first step in getting through any trial is to know who you are and whose you are.  I know it sounds a little cliché, but there’s a reason people say it a lot – it’s true.

You are unique.  There is no one like you.  You are irreplaceable.  The truth of the matter is that God formed every complex detail of your body, mind, and spirit.  He made us from scratch.

Before we were in our mother’s wombs, we were a creative possession of God, with our days planned ahead, and our lives ordained in heaven to be lived on earth.  We are fearfully and wonderfully made in His image.  By divine operation, His hand wrought us.  We are His work made under his intuition and influence.

Wow! Take a minute to read that again.  Can you receive that?  If you did, then you probably need a moment to dry your eyes and clean your face!  Now, meditate on God’s greatness.  Get it into your spirit.  Learn to love and see yourself the way God does. Look in the mirror and acknowledge every inch of yourself  -- literally. 

Making It Through – Not Over

Once you know who and whose you are, you must realize that the only way the battle will be won is on your knees.  You need to call on God like never before.  Let God massage that tender part of your heart.  Let reflections upon God’s wonderful works overflow into praise.

Focus your mind and soul entirely away from yourself and unto Him.  Hear the heartbeat of God in the intimacy of prayer.  Even though you may not be able to comprehend, praise and worship Him for the fact that His works are marvelous.

Now understand that God is strong and mighty to see you through. Take a lesson from the trial. Let that lesson become your testimony. Then scream it through the rooftops after God has carried you through. Now that, saints, is a real happy ending!

Remember:

1.  Let go of your pride and confide in someone. When you worship with other believers, the corporate praise can take you further than you can go by yourself. Ever heard the saying there’s strength in numbers?

2.  Meditate on the greatness of God.

3.  Allow time for God to break down the barriers of your soul and penetrate the walls of your heart so that He can pour Himself into you. Once you are full of God’s spirit, you are more than a conqueror. Your trial is just a stepping stone to your testimony!