21 Days to Building a Faith Filled Family - Audio DevotionalSample

Persevering Through Trials as a Family

It’s Day 16 of our journey together, and I’m really proud of you.Today, we will discuss persevering through trials and challenges as a family.

As we begin our day, let me pray for us.

Heavenly Father, thank you for this life you have given. We don’t always understand the hardships and trials that we face here, but we know that you, Jesus, have overcome the world. We trust you, Lord, in your master plan. Please give us wisdom on how to navigate these challenges and lead us ever closer to you. Amen.

I encourage you to give your attention to Jesus for the next 15 minutes. Find a comfortable location and remove any distractions. If you’re listening to the audio, you can let the sound of my voice guide you.

Life is full of ups and downs, and every family will face its share of trials and challenges. Once, I heard a pastor say “You’re either coming out of a trial, in the midst of a trial, or about to go into one.” It’s almost as if they’re guaranteed.

As followers of Christ, we’re called to persevere with courage and faith, knowing that God is with us every step of the way. Verses 2-4 of James 1, say,

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

James 1:2-4

These verses remind us that going through difficult times grows our faith and character when we place our trust and hope in God. That doesn’t mean it’s easy. It can be incredibly challenging to persevere through trials even with that assurance.

Take a moment to reflect and pray on any challenges you are currently facing. Share them with God and ask Him to lighten the burden you carry. As you reflect on what you’re currently navigating, consider anything your family members might be facing. Give their struggles to the Lord as well.

[PAUSE FOR REFLECTION]

God, we give you these trials, these challenges, the hardships. We ask that you take them away, resolve them in a way that only you can. But if you don’t, we will still have faith in you, and ask for wisdom and grace about how to persevere through them. Amen

I’m reminded of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, three young men that refused to bow down to a king’s statue and faced the most difficult trial of their lives as a result.

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”

Daniel 3:16-18

These men displayed an unshakable faith in God, regardless of the circumstances ahead of them. The story continues that they were thrown into a blazing fire and not only did the flames not touch them, the king saw a fourth person in the fire with them. “One that looked like the son of the gods.”

As a family, it's essential to approach trials with a similar spirit of unity. Stand together with boldness no matter what you face. Instead of allowing challenges to divide us, we have to come together, offering support, encouragement, and praying for one another. Remember that you are not alone, and many of your trials you should not face alone.

Turn to God in prayer, seeking His guidance, strength, and comfort. Psalm 34:17-18 reminds us,

"The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; He delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."

I encourage you to pray together as a family, out loud, sharing your concerns and burdens with the Lord and trusting Him to see you through. He is faithful, and He will sustain you. Praying as a family will encourage you to turn to the Lord.

Amid hardships, it is natural to examine our lives to determine if God is punishing us for something. I've heard a similar way of thinking over the years in ministry. They try to think of one time when they did this or that time they did that. They look to one of those times as potential for why God is allowing these hardships to come. Don't do that to yourself, friend.

If you are a follower of Christ, your circumstances are not a reflection of your standing with God. Jesus went to the cross for all the sins of your past, and your future. He took the punishment and the wrath of God so you don’t have to. It is His sacrifice on the cross that we, as believers, can look to for confirmation of our standing with God.

That doesn’t mean things will be easy, or even get easier. Trials and hardships are a bit of a mystery. We, on this side of heaven, might not fully understand them. However, we do know that Jesus has promised us new bodies, in a new Heaven, and a new Earth without trials, and without pain.

If you are suffering from trials, I am sorry. I do not want that for you, but I want what our Heavenly Father has in store for you in this life, and the next. We are victors in that life.

Let me close in prayer.

Heavenly Father, I pray that you give us perseverance through trials. We pray that you use our families to develop the greatest support system for each other. We pray that we would be the best encourager, cherleade, and supporter of our family members. Help us to bear their burdens with them, and let them be there for us, just as we know you are. In Jesus’ name. Amen

In the time we have left, continue with Jesus. Let Him minister to you. Give him your hardships and challenges. Take as long as you need.

I’ll talk with you tomorrow.