Choosing to Believe God’s Promises in Trying Times

What happens when you find yourself dealing with an unexpected, difficult situation? If you’ve read some of my previous posts, you’ll see a pattern in my faith where I struggled to reconcile God’s goodness with the difficulties and trials I was experiencing. That’s because I thought that if I followed His commands, He would keep me from suffering and pain. But once I began to read His word beyond the commands, my perspective changed. Even though God is good, I realized that He allows (and sometimes orchestrates) trials for His glory and my good. Yet, despite life’s trials, God’s word offers many promises to help us faithfully endure with hope. The choice to believe those promises is not always easy, but through our son’s diagnosis with a chronic illness, I am learning that there is power in choosing to believe God’s promises in trying times.  

Is Something Wrong?

Our one and only son has always been a lover of milk. However, a few months ago (just before his third birthday), he started asking for milk and water more than usual. He wasn’t exhibiting any other abnormal symptoms, so I did not think it was enough to be concerned. I honestly thought he was just going through a finicky toddler phase where he wanted more milk than food. But as time went on, he became desperate for milk, water, or whatever drink he could reach in the refrigerator. This level of desperation gave me cause for concern, and I began to wonder, “Is something wrong?” I knew the answer was “yes” when he suddenly started shivering uncontrollably as if he was freezing cold. At that point, I called his pediatrician’s office and talked with the nurse. She did not seem alarmed but scheduled us an appointment within the hour.

Shortly after our arrival, we were called back to a room. We only waited another few minutes before seeing his doctor. She could tell from his demeanor that he did not feel well. After I explained his symptoms to her, she performed a standard physical exam on him. She did not notice anything unusual about his physical appearance other than his extremely dry lips. However, she ordered blood work to rule out possibilities, specifically mentioning diabetes. Now, I must admit that I Googled his symptoms before calling the doctor’s office, and diabetes made the results list. (I know, I know…seeking medical advice from Google is a no-no!!) So her mention of diabetes made me somewhat nervous. Once she left the room, I prayed, “Lord, whatever happens, I trust You. Please help me not to lose my faith.”

The Diagnosis

Shortly after the doctor left, a nurse came in and pricked our son’s finger for blood. Not long after, the pediatrician came back into the room and looked at me with heartfelt compassion. She said, “So he does have diabetes, and it is most likely Type 1.”

I remember hearing those words and feeling some sort of shock mixed with sadness and overwhelm. I must have been wearing all of that on my face because she began encouraging me by telling me there was nothing we could have done to prevent it. She explained what Type 1 diabetes is and assured me that it was a manageable disease. We would, however, need to go to the emergency room (ER) at our local Children’s Hospital within the hour. The hospital would confirm the diagnosis, administer insulin to regulate his blood sugar, and educate us on managing the disease.

My Initial Processing of the Diagnosis

There I was, alone with our son. My mind was working overtime as I tried to process the doctor’s words, tell my husband over the phone, and figure out childcare for our three girls. I managed to hold back my tears until we made it to the car. But as soon as we got there, they flowed nonstop. In all honesty, I wasn’t crying because I was upset or questioning his diagnosis. My heart genuinely ached for my son because he had to endure this illness at such a young age. He did not understand what was happening or why. I also couldn’t be there with my husband when he told our girls, so I was concerned about their reactions. I wanted them to know that their brother was going to be okay.

But in that moment, although my flesh was weak, my spirit literally felt like a roaring lioness rising up to defend her territory. The Holy Spirit began reminding me about the things He had been teaching me over the past few months. All along, He had been preparing me for this. I had been reading scriptures on suffering and enduring trials. In our She’s A Seeker Facebook group, I had been learning about our enemy (Satan), specifically how he works and how I stand firm and fight against him. And He instilled in me the need to learn about God’s character so that I don’t question His sovereignty or love for me in trying times. As it all came back to my remembrance, I said to myself, “Now is the time to believe. Now is the time to fight.”

Choosing to Believe God’s Promises

I wiped my tears and chose to believe that God is who He says He is and that His promises are true. When I did, I could sense His presence with us. As I put the car in gear and headed to the ER, I spoke out loud to God in prayer. I confessed how I felt and prayed for His covering over our son and our family. I asked for guidance and wisdom for the doctors, nurses, and everyone who would take part in our son’s care. Then, I spoke out loud to Satan. Whatever scripture came to mind, I spoke it, and I bound him in Jesus’ name. And I kept fighting. I spoke God’s Word to him every time fear or doubt arose. I wanted him to know that I WAS NOT backing down or bowing down to his threats.

Choosing to believe God’s promises during this trying time is a choice that I have to make every day…throughout the day. It has not been easy to make that choice. Sometimes, I admit that I do choose my feelings over my faith. Yet, I’m learning there is power in choosing to believe God’s promises, especially in trying times. Each time I do, I can clearly see how God is working on my behalf. That gives me peace, the peace of God that surpasses all understanding. And that peace guards my heart and mind in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7). When I CHOOSE to believe His promises, I have peace that God is WITH me, God is FOR me, and God is KEEPING me.

“You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.”

Isaiah 26:3 (NKJV)

What About You?

What hard thing are you going through right now? Is it an unexpected situation that has rocked your faith? Sister, please know that whatever it is, God’s promises to you are true. Choose today to keep your mind stayed on Him, and believe His truth instead of the enemy’s lies. Choose to believe God’s promises in trying times because they will give you perfect peace, unspeakable joy, and living hope.

Sister, I hope this post has inspired and encouraged you to believe in God’s promises continuously. For more practical encouragement, I created a free Spotify playlist just for you. It consists of 20 songs that will remind you of some of His great and precious promises. Click the button below to listen to it. Allow it to refresh your soul and renew your passion for trusting the Lord with all your heart. He IS with you, and He WILL continue to keep you through this, too. Choose to believe in and stand on His promises in the midst of trying times.

My prayer for you
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” 
Romans 15:13 (CSB)

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