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Subject: How to Trust God in Times of Trials
Date: October 23, 2000
When the darkness of trials and difficulties encompass us, it seems we
either cling with our entire being to God ... or we go through a difficult
process as we try and determine whether or not God is trustworthy. Even
after we have come to the position where we can trust in God - we sometimes
don't know how to take those initial faith steps.
Life is not fair and so many things that take place are completely beyond
our human comprehension. In developing our faith walk, we discover that God
is all powerful and sovereign even when life seems too hard or complicated.
God does love us and He does care, but in difficulties and darkness we
sometimes need to come to a point where we come to believe this in a fresh
and new way.
Please join us as we discuss God's trustworthiness during some of our
greatest struggles.
Questions for How to Trust God in Times of Trial
1. Is it true that pain is inevitable but misery is optional when we go
through trials?
2. How do you see God in the midst of your trials?
3. How does your relationship with God affect your outlook on difficulties?
4. Is it possible to avoid becoming a cynic in the midst of trials? What has
worked for you?
5. How can we encourage others who are going through trials? How can we pray
in the midst of the trials
cwt Father, thank you for the time we have here in the Chat Room
cwt We all have gone thru trials in our lives, may your Holy spirit guide us in our conversation and may this time together be meaningful and helpful
cwt Amen
jann amen
Donna Amen
Swirl amen
jann brb
cwt I thought we would start tonight by answering the question, Is it true that pain is inevitable but misery is optional when we go through trials?
cwt That by the way is a quote by the author Tim Hansel, but Barbara Johnson also quotes it.
cwt Anyone have any ideas on that?
Swirl i think it depends on the situation
cwt In what way?
Donna What kind of pain are we talking about, physicaL, emotional?
Swirl like when my older brother was sick, and my mom put herself through emotional agony because she thought that he wasn't going to make it, but he did.
cwt Any kind...pain can be physical, emotional or relational
cwt Was your mom a believer Swirl?
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soulsister hi all!
cwt Welcome soulsister, we are talking about trusting God in the midst of trials
Swirl yes, but she thought that the doctors didn't know what they were doing.
cwt The question is whether or not misery is optional when we grow through tirals or suffer pain
cwt That must have been a tough time for your mother
jann suffering is miserable
Donna What is considered misery?
cwt But I guess that is where it is so important to believe in God, that He really is sovereign and knows everything
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Swirl i don't think that she should have worried so much, because medical practises are foriegn to everyone who doesn't know them well.
cwt Misery is anything that robs us of our joy
Donna I consider myself feeling pretty miserable right now
cwt John 14:1 Jesus tells his disciples not to let their hearts be troubled
soulsister why is that Donna?
soulsister amen cwt
Donna Chemotherapy and being pregnant at the same time.
cwt That is really tough
cwt How far along are you in your pregnanacy?
Donna 6 months and I am old (48).
cwt Is this your first pregnancy?
Donna No, my other children were killed in an accident. This is the pregnancy from rape.
Swirl i might be pregnant from rape.
Donna Oh no, sorry to hear that Swirl.
soulsister remember girls God is still in control
cwt Let's stop right now and pray for both of you....Father, thank you that You know everthing about us. there is nothing that is a surprise, and so we thank you that You are still in control
soulsister amen cwt
jann amen
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Donna Thank you, Jesus
soulsister and he is faithful remember all things work for good
cwt Thank you too that your grace is always sufficient, even in the most difficult situations
soulsister yes
cwt Welcome kitty!
soulsister hi kitty
cwt We are talking about how to trust God in the midst of trials
jann hello kitty
kitty Type HEREhi, glad tobe here
cwt How do you see God in the midst of your trials
soulsister we might not see God in the midst of trials
soulsister but we walk by faith
kitty The only one I know that will stay true to His word, and to cling too!
cwt So true kitty!
soulsister knowing his word that say he will never leave us
cwt Isn't it good to know that His word is more true than anything else
kitty yes, He will never forsake us!
soulsister and knowing the power of the Holy Spirit
cwt And God never lies, so His word is true
soulsister and the Holy Spirit is with us
soulsister and when he came in he has never left us
Donna God has given me peace about decisions that have to be made and learning to live just a moment at a time.
cwt That's a good place to start!
soulsister when we feel alone we are not alone
soulsister he is there with us
kitty I'am going some tough times right now and glad He is the one who decides and keeps me strong.
cwt Do you want to share more about them kitty?
soulsister amen Kitty
soulsister don't you all know that the present of God is with us? no matter what isn't that wonderful
kitty I had to make a very tough decision to cut ties with may family because of all the abuse, I love them but they are very toxic people, and I want to forgive them but I need to heal as well.
cwt That is a difficult situation, but necessary
soulsister his is the same yesterday today and forever
cwt Forgiveness is so important, otherwise beitterness sets in
cwt But we also need time to heal where our family is concerned especially
soulsister kitty you have to let go
jann i am having a hard time forgiving...and i feel like i am not a very good person
Donna I had to do that but when I was able to forgive, it was very freeing.
soulsister amen donna
soulsister you can do it Kitty
cwt We cannot forgive in our own strength, that is where the Holy Spirit living in us makes a difference
soulsister remember we have a big God
Donna It takes time
kitty I know I don't want to be bitter, but I know this isn't something I can do by myself the pain is to deep, this has been 14yrs. of this.
Swirl He has to answer everyone.
cwt And where our family is concerned it really is a long term project
soulsister Kitty start letting it go
soulsister give it to Jesus
Donna It's time now, Kitty, you don't want to stay in the victim mode all your life.
Donna I've been there, I know it is hard
soulsister start everyday by giving it to him and saying it outloud
kitty A lot of things have ben buried so deep, it's very hard to let it all go.
cwt It also helps to look at who God is, His attributes
soulsister it will come kitty
soulsister start a little everyday
soulsister i have been there Kitty
kitty I, don't consider myself a victim I consider myself and overcomer!
cwt Because He is a sovereign God, He knows exactly what you are going thru
Donna Amen
soulsister remember the devil is under your feet
cwt That is an important step kitty
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jann I have lost my children, a nice home...all because my neighbor couldn't leave my children alone
cwt Welcome bj
soulsister hi bj
cwt We are talking about trusting God in the midst of trials
Swirl sorry that i can't join in as much as i really want to-- i can relate to both you, kitty, and donna-- but i'm looking for other websites on another computer to try and save my brother's soul.
cwt Tell him about Jesus Swirl and then pray, pray pray
soulsister what Swirl
soulsister the lord can do that
soulsister amen
bj Hi everyone, we lost our 15 1/2 year old son in a boating accident this summer. To say it's been difficult would be an understatement
Donna Until you have not forgiven, you stay a victim, you will be an overcomer once you have forgiven.
soulsister pray for his salvation
kitty I know the enemy is aroaring lion without any teeth, but he uses people even christians if we let him its a choice.
cwt that is hard bj
soulsister oh sorry
cwt Can we pray for you?
cwt Father, thank you that bj has joined us. Would you comfort her with your comfort as you promised that you would
bj Yes, you can pray, especially for Serge, the man that our son was with. he is not a Christian, but he's seen incredible love and forgiveness through all of this.
soulsister oh lord listen to you bj
cwt Lord use this accident in Serge's life to draw him to Yourself
soulsister how you are concert for this man
soulsister is wonderful
kitty Hi, bj I lost my husband and four other close family members in the last 3 yrs. I will keep you in my prayers.
cwt and remind bj daily that You are still in control
bj Our son left an incredible testimony in his high school where he started a Christian club.
soulsister God bless you bj
bj I also lost a sister 5 years ago to cancer at the age of 41 and her 21 year old son in a car accident in Jan.
cwt So God has used his death in a powerful way?
soulsister Kitty is your husband dead?
soulsister oh is this to much or what?
bj Definitely - around 700 at the funeral. It's just difficult to understand the whys'. I know God's got a purpose and I see it being fulfilled.
soulsister my bj
kitty Yes, a long time ago I have raised my children by myself.
Donna bj, you are not alone, I lost my husband and three children to a drunk driver.
bj But when He says that His grace is sufficient, it really is. Don't know how people do it without the Lord.
cwt have any of you read the book, A Grace Disguised?
cwt That is so true bj
bj Donna, I can't imagine losing more than one child. One was too many.
soulsister no
cwt It is written by a man who lost his wife, daughter and mother in the same accident when the van he was driving was hit by a drunk driver
bj No I haven't read the book A Grace Disguised. 3 weeks after the funeral, I started a full time job. Really feel it was a God send.
kitty Bj I just wanted you to know how much God really loves you and is in this grief with you, let me say as your sister I loave you too.
cwt It is a small book, but very good. The author is Gerald Sittser
bj I have been given about 5 books to read since the accident and simply don't have enough hours in the day to read them all
bj I'll have to check into it and see if I can find it somewheres.
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soulsister bj the lord is you comfort
cwt Someone else e-mailed me last week and said that it was the best one they had ever read on grief
Donna It takes time bj, grief takes a while to go through
kitty Bj, what kind of support system do you have?
cwt bj, you mentioned that the Lord's grace is sufficient, how does your relationship with God affect your outlook on this tragedy in your life?
bj I know grief takes a while. I've been through it all too often, but never dreamt it would be my child.
jann <><
Swirl i sometimes feel really bad that one of my friends died last year. do all suicides really go to hell? just in case this wasn't an accident..
cwt Friends of our lost their 21 year old son this summer, and looking to eternity has really helped them
bj God's grace - I know that we know where Jared is and that he's enjoying the presence of the Lord.
soulsister i believe in Gods grace on suicide
kitty No, if a person is saved they are saved salvation is a gift.
cwt Swirl, if you read Romans 8 38-39 it says that nothing can separate us from the love of God
cwt Death cannot
Donna Thank God, you know the Lord, bj. I didn't have the Lord as at the time, I'm only a new Christian now.
soulsister we separated are self from God
bj We also had a friend of our commit suicide this last wk as well. She also had a mental disorder. Extremely sad though
kitty My son lost two friends to suicide, but they loved the Lord .
cwt even if it is suicide. If the person has a relationship with Christ, then when they die they are with the Lord.
jann like what? kind of disorder?
bj Can't imagine how youdid it Donna without the Lord.
cwt Paul tells us that in Corintians
Swirl i just heard from someone that if you take someone's life, or your own, you go to hell.
cwt I think that some people think that suicide is the unpardonable sin, but it doesn't say that anywhere in scripture
bj I think that people are so busy classifying sin that they look at murder as being worse than something else. I don't find anywhere in scripture where sin is classified. Sin is sin - right?
soulsister swirl if you ask for forgiveness
cwt You are absolutely right bj
soulsister right
jann i have something to share if its ok with everyone
Donna Everybody tells you that but there are Christians that have chemical depression and I do not believe they will go to hell if they kill themselves.
bj I agree Donna
soulsister i agree
soulsister go ahead jann
kitty People can have a chemical imbalance but salvation doesn't change that.
cwt look at Galatians 5:19-20
bj That would be like holding a down's syndrome adult accountable, when they may not have the mental capacity.
soulsister what is is that you want to share?
bj right. Salvation doesn't change that
cwt Jealousy is right in there with murder, carousings etc
jann I lost my girls , my home last November
soulsister if you have hate for someone it is murder in your heart
cwt what happened jann
bj I think as Christians, we look down on others, thinking that somehow our sin isn't as bad as murder or suicide.
soulsister where are your girls?
cwt you are right bj, but since God is holy, sin is sin
jann they turned 16, and I lost control
jann twins
bj Oh Jann, it must be difficult.
jann we had an argument
soulsister that is a hard age
jann and they ran across the steet, to a neighbor named Troy
soulsister now it is starting at 12
jann and she called their dad, and got him involved
jann and they said some really cruel things about me
kitty I raised my children after my husband died and we went through tough times but sometimes that calls for tough love
soulsister amen to that kitty
soulsister your girls did jann
bj My son who would have been 16, just decided this last year to really live for the Lord. He had invited Christ in as a child and I am so thankful that I didn't have to go through what you're going through.
cwt That is where we come back to the truth of God's word again isn't it?
bj He wasn't any angel though by any stretch of the imagination.
cwt He know what each of you is going thru
cwt and His grace is sufficient
bj Thank goodness He does.
Donna Yes, thank you Lord.
soulsister amen
soulsister God is good
cwt It helps to know that He is the one who has said that He will see to completion the good work that He has begfun in us
cwt and He will see it to completion
soulsister amen
kitty Actually for us singles He is our spirtiual husband and the easiest one to get a long with.
cwt I am sure that heaven is a sweeter place for you now bj
soulsister will we still praise him in the hard times?
bj It's like the story about the embroidery picture. From the bottom it looks like a pile of knots, just like our lives, but when we get to heaven, we'll see the whole picture from God's view point.
bj the Lord's return couldn't be none too soon for me.
soulsister amen
Donna Yes, because we are stronger when we come through the fire.
Swirl i did, because i could see the light at the end of the tunnel. i think that if you know there's a way out, you can survive anyhting on earth.
cwt right about the embroidery
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cwt I see the underside but God sees the overside Corrie ten boom used to say!
soulsister amen
kitty The wonderful about God is that He chose us, sometimes that's overwhelming.
cwt Plus He loves us so unconditionally
soulsister yes it is
bj I also liked what Corrie had to say about throwing our sins into the deepest ocean and putting up a 'no fishing' sign
cwt I remember that!
soulsister that is cute
soulsister lol
cwt He has removed our sins from us as far as the east is from the west....they never meet
kitty I am so greatful for Him and hope I will always stand in awe of Him.
cwt What has encouraged you gals when you have gone through these trials? What can we do?
bj I'm not Catholic, but I do also like what Mother Teresa once said is that when God said that He wouldn't give us more that we can handle, I just wish he wouldn't trust me so much.
soulsister lol
cwt That is good too bj!
soulsister that is good
bj His faithfulness - knowing that there is going to be one huge reunion someday. WOW
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Swirl i think that the first thing is to find someone you can talk to.
kitty We have to trust Him, and that only grows with firey trials, that is always the bottom line.
ivy hi
cwt welcome ivy
ivy hi
cwt we are talking about trusting God in the midst of trials and what encourages us when we are going through them
soulsister it is the real love that God show us in hard times
ivy sounds interesting
soulsister that really keeps me going
soulsister his love
bj I know that all the suffering that I've gone through in my life has made me stronger. I'm also a 4 time survivor of cancer as well. I know that I can be an encourager to others because I've actually been there, not by choice I must say though.
kitty I have some good sisters, and have just joined a good support group.
soulsister his love has always been there
soulsister he first love us!
bj We can't even begin to imagine what Mary went through when she knew that her son would die on the Cross. Can't imagine her agony.
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bj As a mother, I guess I'm speaking from.
kitty Kay Arthur has a great book called "as refined silver." It really was a blessing to read.
bj I've got Kay's book - great book
Donna Wish I could find a good Christian support group. I live alone and it is hard with what I am going through,
cwt Welcome Shey
soulsister Donna do you go to chruch?
Shey thanks sorry I'm late
soulsister have pastor
cwt We are talking about trusting God in the midst of trials, and how we can encourage others who are going through trials
soulsister and fellowship with other sisters in the lord?
Donna No,
kitty Donna, maybe cwt could give some ideas depending were you live.
bj We have a monthly ladies meeting at our church which is a wonderful support group as well.
soulsister yes Donna find a home church and help
cwt It is hard to go through trials alone. Even though God is with you, you also need other Christians to stand by you
bj Small women's home Bible Studies are a great place of support. You'll find these in a good Evangelical church.
Donna Been too sick to go and am having a hard time trying to find a church, being a new Christian, I don['t know where is right.
cwt and pray for you
soulsister look up the churches where you live
bj How have you been ill Donna?
cwt Also, try looking for a christian Women's Club that meets near you. They have great bible studies and prayer times
bj Right on cwt
cwt Where are you from Donna?
kitty The internet also can give you some churches there is a directory you can go too!
bj Christian Women's Club's are interdenominational and they could help you.
soulsister yes call women aglow
cwt Plus Christian women's clubs could also hook you up with a good church
cwt Women Aglow is one group,
cwt Christian Women's Club is another
bj Some of these are advertized in local papers
Donna Bj, to answer you, I have leukemia and am on chemo and am 6 month pregnant from a rape
cwt both would give you support
cwt I am surprised that they would give you chemo when you are pregnant
soulsister she is a new christian also bj
kitty Campus Crusade for Christ is another you may want to try, Donna.
Donna I stopped it until just four weeks ago, and the doc said it was either do or die.
bj Donna, I've been through chemo. Not fun. Can't imagine being pregnant at the same time. Is there any Christian pregnancy help areas in area
soulsister CPC
bj Christian pregnancy centers I mean.
soulsister is good
kitty Donna how can we help you?
Donna Yes, I live in So. California
soulsister yes Donna we want to help you
cwt There are some awesome churches down there Donna
soulsister yes
soulsister what city Donna
Donna Calvary Chapel I guess
Swirl have they given you thalmidi, Donna?
soulsister yes that is good
soulsister what is that?
cwt Saddleback Community Church is another excellent churhc
cwt and they would be able to give you contact numbers closer to you
soulsister saddleback
soulsister do they ride horses?
Donna Fountain Valley, 20 minutes from Disneyland and 10 minutes from the Pacific.
bj If it's a real Bible believing church, they will respond to a phone call.
soulsister i was at disneyland in May
Swirl thalmidi is an anti-cancer drug. you mentioned that you've had cancer before. was it in the last eight years? did they give you thalmidi then?
Donna Saddleback Valley is only about 45 minutes from here.
soulsister oh good
kitty Donna have you got any close friends or family beside in these tough times?
cwt Then why not give them a call! I know that they probably would even have support groups for you
soulsister call Donna
bj Swirl -are you talking to me? I can't remember what drugs they gave me. It was a combo of 4 or 5.
cwt I have friends that go there even though they don't live that close
soulsister cool cwt
Swirl oh, sorry, bj. thalmidi is VERY dangerous to take if you plan on having kids inthe next eight years.
soulsister Donna we will pray for you
Donna I am so overwhelmed right now but maybe I will visit there.
soulsister and please call them
Donna Thanks, soulsister
bj I'm done having kids. Last one was 13 years ago. Plumbing all removed because of cancer.
Donna CWT, is there anyway I can change mentors.
kitty Donna I will put you on my prayer list.
cwt Do you have a mentor through us Donna?
cwt Let's pray for Donna right now
Swirl Donna, please check your medicine for thalmidi, since you're pregnant. your pharmacist can tell you the ingrediants in any pills, ok?
Donna I am pretty sure, are you based in Canada?
soulsister Donna lots of churches have website now
soulsister and you can email them
ivy I need to run ... this has been interesting ... good night.
cwt Father we lift Donna up before you
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kitty Donna churches have a directory on the internet.
soulsister so look in the phone book for websites
cwt Remind her that you love her and that she is not alone in this
soulsister yes amen kitty
soulsister amen yes fahter
cwt We ask that you would bring some christian women into her life that could pray for her and be a support to her through this
bj Yes Lord
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cwt Lord we know that You are noth surprised by any of this, and we ask that she would daily experience Your all sufficient grace
cwt Amen
soulsister i know i look up churches in my town and found lots on the web
cwt Welcom Kath
bj We'll all continue to bring you before the Throne of Grace Donna.
kitty Donna Jesus loves you, please remeber that in these difficult times, there is nothing you can't take to the cross that hasn't been done!
Kath Do hope I am not late
bj Just a little Kath
soulsister your late kath
Donna The doctors are being real careful with me and my meds
cwt Donna, we are thinking of starting a series of chats on choosing joy in the midst of trials
Kath It is the time zones
cwt anybody interested in this
Kath I thought it was 8:00 PM
cwt say, once a month
Donna Thanks for your prayers everyone,.
soulsister no 7
Kath I am so sorry
cwt Kath, it was 8:00 pm Mountain Time, 7:00 pm Pacific Time
kitty It's 800pm mountain tine Kath.
soulsister Donna look up he is with you!
Donna Yes, I'm interested PST
bj Choosing joy is difficult at times. I received a card and booklet and tape from some wellmeaning person that said I was not supposed to grieve at all. I don't think that's scriptural. Jesus Himself wept when Lazarus died.
Kath Thank you Kitty
soulsister so what are they starting up?
cwt But do come in again Kath.....
cwt You are right bj
cwt Grief is healthy
soulsister yes kath
soulsister come again
cwt but we can still look to God in the midst of the grief
cwt Jesus also wept over Jerusalem
soulsister i didn't cry when my mom die
Donna He helps us through our grief
soulsister they would not let me
kitty Donna, "for God so loved the world He gave His only son, may He keep you under His wing!
Donna Thanks, kitty.
soulsister yes amen
cwt And He holds you up with His everlasting arms!
bj Definitely look to God in the midst of our grief. Can't say my 18 year old cried much either when Jared died. I think sometimes it's a little different when it's a parent.
Donna That's unhealthy, soulsister
cwt We need to grieve and crying is the way God made us
kitty Donna check out psalm 91, I love that one!
bj We often feel that a parent should die before our children though and especially for a Mom, who carried them for 9 months, nursed, nurtured, etc.
soulsister yes i know that now
soulsister i did lots of crying
soulsister at a old age
bj I thought you said you didn't cry - soulsister.
soulsister i didn't at that time
soulsister but i did when i got saveda
soulsister and healing came with it
bj how long did it take you before the grief hit you?
cwt That's good
kitty After my husband I thought part of me died with him but God is a God of restoration, may He restore you Donna God Bless you and keep you, and Bj as well.
bj Oh, when you got saved.
soulsister i was 13 when she die
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soulsister i'm 51 now
Donna Oh, that is so hard, soulsister
bj My sister died at aged 41 and her kids were 11, 15, and 17. Very difficult for all of them
soulsister yes i bet it was
bj She was a pastor's wife for over 20 years when she got cancer.
bj Misdiagnosed as well.
soulsister but God heal me of alot
cwt It is almost time to go, but would any of you be interested in a monthly chat on trusting God in trials
bj God can be our only healer
soulsister really
soulsister misdiagnosed
soulsister wow!
kitty Yes, cwt I would!
soulsister yes
soulsister that sounds good cwt
bj yes - doc told her it was a pinched nerve in her back and it was terminal olvarian cancer.
soulsister oh my
soulsister i have to go thur do a Kidney doctor
soulsister so pray for me please
cwt THat's when it is important to remember that God is still in control
soulsister amen he is
bj Must run and have devotions with our 13 yr old daughter. Thanks for the encouragement and your prayers and I;ll pray for you too.
Donna Yes, I am interested CWT, How can I find out if my mentor is through you. Pretty sure she is, I am her first mentoree and I think she is too busy for me.
cwt For your info, we also have a series starting on single parenting
soulsister bless you bj
cwt bj, we will pray for you
cwt come back to the chat room again
bj Just like my 18 year old son said when they came to tell us at the Bible Camp that I was head cook at when he died. Daniel said ' God makes no mistakes'.
Donna Prayers
cwt I will be back with the trials subject a month from now
soulsister amen
cwt Monday, November 20th
soulsister sounds go
soulsister it will be posted right?
cwt Also, Tuesday evening we have a prayer time here in the Chat Room
soulsister amen
cwt Yes, it will be posted
cwt Let's pray...
soulsister bless you cwt
cwt Father thank you for the good time we have had here tonight
cwt We love you and we thank you that no matter what the trial, you are sovereign
cwt and Your Grace is always suffficient
cwt Remind us often that You are the one who carries us in your everlasting arms
cwt You go before us and behind us
cwt and we love you.
