Trouble upon trouble has ruled my life lately. Although none of mine have been major life-altering troubles, I’ve been facing a lot of daily struggles. I’ve been struggling to get one thing done before something else gets added to my list.

Physical pain has been an issue. It started with wrist tendonitis, which led to wearing a brace that prevented typing. I struggled to write through ‘talk to typing’ in Word. Next came plantar fasciitis. One morning when my right foot hit the floor, I hit the floor. My eyes watered as I hobbled to the living room. Frustration and fatigue followed, threatening to transform discouragement into depression.

I have other friends who are going through their own troubles. One friend who has suffered loss after loss asked me, “What do you think God is trying to do with me?” I initially told her I didn’t know, but I would pray for her. After a time of pacing and prayer for both of us, an answer came—I didn’t know what God was trying to do, but I knew what Satan was trying to do. He was trying to stop us. It made him mad when he saw us loving, worshiping, and serving God. He does everything he can to defeat God’s children.

Although I didn’t know what God was specifically trying to do in her life or mine, I knew His goal was to use everything that Satan threw at us. God will defeat every evil plan of the enemy and use it for our good and His glory. God uses trouble to challenge us, strengthen us, and grow us.

“In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 1:6-7 NKJV)

We try to resist trouble, doing whatever we can to get out of it. Maybe we need to learn to submit to the trouble and trust that God is using it to grow us. We don’t want to feel the pain of trouble, but maybe we can embrace the pain as we realize it is what we need to push us forward.

When we face our daily troubles, we can remind ourselves that they are only for a little while. They will last only long enough to accomplish what our God wishes to accomplish. He strengthens us through the struggle. We can tell ourselves that these troubles have a magnificent purpose. God is perfecting our faith and equipping us to bring Him more glory.

Whether you are struggling with normal daily troubles or facing trouble more extreme than you’ve ever faced before, remind yourself that your Heavenly Father is in complete control. Whatever Satan designs to stop you, God will use to lift you up, strengthen you, and use you.

Submit yourself to the perfecting work of the fire so that your faith will come forth as gold and magnify Jesus.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us You are in control. Nothing touches us unless it passes through our loving hands. You will only allow what we need. Oh God, help us respond in submission to You and Your plan believing that You are perfecting us. Help us see the outcome of our troubles. Show us how You are glorified through them.

How have you seen God use trouble to grow you and bring Him glory?

Are you currently experiencing trouble? How can I pray for you?