A couple years ago, I sprained my ankle, which isn't a big deal really, but during the healing process, something strange happened. My ankle and foot started to become ICE cold. Like, seriously cold. At times, it would burn because it was so cold. We ruled out the cold weather being a factor because it was spring. My doctors took time to do many tests, and one thing led to another, yet they couldn't figure out it. My mental health started taking a toll.
Doctors (and tests especially) make me nervous and cause me anxiety. I know that God is good and that He is able to do anything beyond what I could ask, seek, or imagine (Ephesians 3:20-21), but I couldn't help being anxious over so many unknowns.
On my way to a particular doctor appointment, I was jamming out to a Hawk Nelson album, and the song "Count On You" came on. I'd heard this song quite a few times before, but this time, the words really made me stop and think. They spoke to me, and I pondered and prayed to God about those lyrics while I was in my test:
You give me front row seats to Your faithfulness /
A spotlight shining on Your promises
Some people, Christians included, wonder why we have to go through the negative things in life that we do. Trials, hardships, disappointments—they are all hard things. And given a choice, they are things we would probably choose to avoid. However, in God's perfect sovereignty, He allows His children to go through stuff that makes us feel a little like we're wandering through a dry desert with no water. Do you know what I mean? Have you experienced that feeling?
We go through these things because, if we didn't, how would we ever know that God is good in His provision? How would we ever attest to His power to work within us? How would we ever learn to rely on Him and lean on Him daily? These were the things I was praying through during my test.
I can guarantee you, no matter what you're going through, God is still in control and He knows what He's doing. He is with you, always (Matthew 28:20). To see God's faithfulness and experience the fullness and richness of God's promises, God must take us through the waves and storms of life.
"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing... Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him." —James 1:2-4, 12
In the end, we will look back, wearing the crown promised to those who hold on tight to God through tribulation, and we will see that, time after time, God is good and was and is perfectly working things out for our good (Romans 8:28), His glory, and the ultimate victory.
Everything we've gone through is part of our story, a part of our testimony, the good and the bad. If we have survived the storms of life, we'll have also gained a story to tell others about the greatness of God. Our relationship with the One True King will be strengthened in ways that would be unimaginable if we had not gone through those trials.
James 1:12 is one of my favorite verses, and one of my favorite promises found in God's word. Let's look at it again: " Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him."
Hang on. Trust God for He is trustworthy. When you become a child of God, every promise in Scripture suddenly applies to you, and they'll never let you go.
Hang on, Child, your crown—and your King—are coming!
—Stephanie
p.s. If you aren't a Child of God and want to know more about how and why you should become one, please read this article: How can I be saved?
Stephanie is a 21-year old with a passion to see believers grow and become passionate in their relationship with the Lord. She is a lover of sweat tea, sunshine, and the freedom that comes from Christ. In her free time, she can be found singing, playing guitar, writing or jamming out to Hawk Nelson, Phil Wickham, and worship music. Her dreams are to become a worship leader and a published author, while living a life full of fun and joy that comes from the Lord.
