You can trust God to write your story.
He is faithful, and His watchful care over your life never fails. His Providence is good. Throughout this month, we’re sharing stories of God’s Providence that were submitted by our readers.
(Have a story of your own? You can share it with our blog team here.)
Today, we have stories of God’s hand working through deep suffering from three of our younger readers. Read and be encouraged. No matter what chapter of the story you’re in, no matter if the ending seems bleak, you can trust the Author of your story. He will right it all in the end.
You Can Trust God When Finances and Health Fail
About ten years ago, my family moved from Colorado. Our situation was not pleasant; the easiest of the decisions that had to be made was if we would pay the month’s bills or buy groceries to make it to the next paycheck. When my mother fell ill with a mini-stroke and my father lost his job, our situation seemed to only get worse by the moment.
Despite all of this, looking back now, I can clearly see God’s hand in every part of it. Just when we were on our last few paychecks, a family friend took in us kids and helped cover some of our expenses. (I am forever grateful for their willingness to give as Christ would.) My father was offered an amazing job, though it was across the United States. While she was still a bit ill, my mother finally made a great enough recovery to hold a job. We ended up moving, which was a hard decision, since we were leaving all of our family and known life behind.
Since moving, my family has been able to overcome the financial burdens of before, my mother was able to make a full recovery, and we have welcomed two more siblings to the family. As of right now, I am about to begin my senior year of high school and am in the process of moving again. While I thought moving from Colorado would be the end of my friendships and family’s connections there, God has proven that belief wrong. Within the next few weeks, by God’s grace, my family and I will be taking a trip to visit everyone just before the school year begins. It simply amazes me how greatly God cares. Even when we could not clearly see He was there, God was truly working behind the scenes and had everything worked together for His good.
God really works in everything, even when we cannot see it. Everyone can trust that God is the same God He was yesterday and He will be the same God tomorrow.
— Cheyenne
You Can Trust God When Family Abandons You
The most heartbreaking time in my life was when some of my dear siblings ran away from home. They not only left home but also stopped all communication. One of my sisters was my best friend. This has been painful and heartbreaking, and I do not even have the words to say how hard it has been.
Through this hard time God has shown me again that He will never leave or forsake me. He will be by me forever and wants me to rest in Him, knowing that He is still in control.
I love my dear siblings dearly. And even though I do not understand why God let this happen, I know that He has a plan for us. I know that He will make something beautiful out of these ashes in His perfect time. I am learning to trust Him even when things look hopeless. During these times, this verse has been a real encouragement to me: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jer. 29:11).
I am not writing this for pity but to encourage anyone who reads this. I am praying that this would encourage you and remind you to hold fast to Jesus. May He be glorified and honored.
If you are going through a hard time, remember that the Lord Jesus is in control and will carry you through whatever it is that is causing you this pain. Remember you were created for such a time as this! God has a purpose and plan for your life. Bring all your pain, sorrows, burdens, and everything to Jesus. He will comfort and guide you through these hard days. Keep trusting Him; Jesus will not forsake you.
— Carla*
You Can Trust God When a Loved One Is Murdered
The most difficult time of my life was when my dad died four years ago. I was heartbroken, and my entire family was wounded and gave up on God. My father died in a violent way, and my family was left with severe PTSD through the violence of his death. None of us were there when it happened, but it was all over the news. Everyone asked what had happened, but honestly we didn’t even know. My father was not in a gang, but he was shot by a gang member. Due to the circumstances and nature of his death (which was very public), there were many witnesses, but no one has spoken up or given information to the police.
My father’s death is an ongoing investigation, but the detective on his case has been able to put together a scenario of what could have possibly happened based on new evidence and witnesses that came forth. The police now have three suspects in mind that likely worked together to execute such a heinous crime. One man was driving, one man was the shooter, and the other man was an accomplice. One way that God has served justice on the legal side of this situation is that these three gentlemen have been in and out of prison since my father was killed in October 2014.
Our family is stronger than ever, and I am so thankful that something so awful has brought about change for the better.
God has brought me so much closer to Him, and He has become very, very real to me. I was always raised in church, and I believed in God, but I never experienced anything that would cause me to cry out to a personal Savior.
It’s nice to go to Sunday school and sing songs about how wonderful He is, but when you’ve been through pain and suffering and God brings you through it, He can become very real and powerful to you. God is real and powerful without you experiencing pain, but I was ten when my dad died, and I was not mature enough to process something like that, so that is why I say that God became “real” to me.
We moved to a beautiful new town two-and-a-half years ago and got connected to an amazing church. I have been able to grow and strengthen my relationship with the Lord at Sunday services and Wednesday night youth group services. I am a singer, and the Lord has gifted me with the ability to lead others into worship. Being a worship leader is one of the most special things that I get to be a part of in Christ because I love seeing how in love all the kids and teens are with Jesus! It is truly beautiful, and I am blessed to serve such an incredible God that has brought me through such pain and loss.
I just want to encourage anyone going through depression, anxiety, family problems, or body dysmorphia to know that there is a whole Body of Christ who loves them and that the Almighty God Himself is here for you and is able to meet all of your needs.
— Alexis
*Name changed by request for privacy.
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