Trials have a way of revealing what we truly believe about God. When life is comfortable, trust often feels easy. But when uncertainty, fear, and pain enter the picture, faith is no longer theoretical; it becomes deeply personal.

Recently, my own faith was tested in a way I never expected. I faced brain surgery to remove a tumor. In a moment, life shifted from normal routines and future plans to medical CT scans, MRI’s, unfamiliar terminology, and questions that had no immediate answers. Like perhaps you have experienced in your own trials, I was reminded how quickly our sense of control can evaporate away.

Yet in this season, the Lord has met me in powerful ways that only can be explained by His mighty power.

Let me say this, trusting God during difficult times does not mean ignoring fear or pretending everything is fine. The Lord knows I understand this now. In fact, scripture never calls us to deny reality. Instead, it invites us to bring our fears before the Lord in all honesty. Psalm 56:3 says, “What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.” Notice it doesn’t say Not if I am afraid but “What time” or one could say “when I am afraid.” Because we all have experienced fear before. And guess what that’s okay because God knows our weakness, and He welcomes us to depend on Him, or I like to say He likes it when we lean into Him.

As I prepared for brain surgery, I had to come to grips with something we all eventually face: my life is not my own; rather, it's fully in the hands of God. Doctors, medicine, procedures, and surgeries are all gifts from God, but they are not the ultimate source of our joy or hope. The same Lord who knit us together in our mother’s womb (Psalm 139) is the One who cares for us while in the operating room, the hospital bed, and the long road of recovery.

One of the greatest comforts during this time was remembering that God is not only sovereign (in control) but that He is always good. In Romans 8:28 it does not promise that all things are easy, but that God works in and through all things for the good of those who love Him. Even in suffering and trials, He is in control, He does things on purpose, and He is always showing Himself faithful.

Another joy I experienced is the strength of the body of Christ (the church).

All the prayers, encouragement, scripture, and acts of kindness were tangible reminders that God often ministers to us through His people. Trials are not meant to be faced alone. Matter of fact, my family and I have experienced on a personal level that the church becomes especially precious when we walk together through difficulties.

My friends, if you are currently in a difficult season whether it’s a medical diagnosis, family struggle, loss, or uncertainty. Understand this: trusting the Lord does not mean having all the answers. Because I still don’t at all. It means placing your confidence, trust, and dependence in the One who does. Our hope is not in our circumstances changing quickly, but in a God who loves us and never changes.

Isaiah 41:10 offers this promise: “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”

In every difficult time, that promise still stands nice and tall.

May we be a church that always leans into the Lord, prays fervently with believing faith, and walking faithfully with our God during all seasons of life especially when the road is difficult. May we say as Job said in Job 13:15, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him”