As we enter this new year, there are some guarantees in life. There will be good times this year and there will be bad times this year. There will be happy memories created this year and memories that we may want to forget. During those times of hurt, pain, and trials, I have learned that God is still in control.

Our family went through an unexpected trial this past year that impacted every single person in our household. It was difficult and it lasted a while. We had to pray and believe that God would bring us through the trial and He did. As we were recovering from that trial, a new problem showed up. It was unexpected and demanded our family’s immediate attention. As we were weary from what we had just gone through, the only thing that moved us through the second trial was prayer and taking things minute by minute.

While it would have been easy to blame God for allowing us to go through one trial right after another. And some family members did feel that way. I prayed and heard that God is in control of when the trials come, how long they last and what they are. In other words, He did not allow both trials to occur at the same time, which would have been disastrous and lives would have been impacted and possibly lost. God allowed the family to have a period of recovery before entering the second trial. He is in control, even when we cannot see Him or feel Him or hear Him. He is in control.

The Bible tells us that we will face trials, not maybe or possibly, but that we will face trials. We should not be shocked or scared when trials show up. There is a saying that you are either in a trial, heading toward one or just coming out of one. That is life on earth, it is filled with trouble and trials. James 1:2 says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds..”. How is there joy in trials? There isn’t joy in the trial itself. The joy is in the knowledge that God is in control. He loves you and has every detail covered, your role in the trial is to pray through what God wants you to learn from the trial.

Let’s pray. Father in heaven, thank You for Your love and for Your Word. Thank You that You have warned us there will be hurt and pain in this earthly life. Help us to keep our eyes on You, help us to trust You and bring all of our cares and concerns to You. Help us to hear You, feel You and see You as we go through trials. Protect us and guide us. In Jesus’ precious name we pray, amen.