Thriving Through Trials

There are seasons in life when simply getting through the day feels like a victory. Our prayers become shorter, our strength feels smaller, and our questions grow louder. In the chapter centered on thriving through trials, Marianne Lopera reminds us of a powerful truth: God is never absent in our hardest moments. Sometimes we think thriving looks like having everything in place—clear direction, enough resources, and peace without problems. But God shows us something different. Thriving begins when we learn to trust Him even when things are unclear. Marianne gently leads the reader to see that trials are not signs of failure, but invitations to grow deeper in faith. God uses pressure to develop us, delay to mature us, and difficulty to draw us closer. Just as gold is refined through fire, our faith is strengthened through testing. When you find yourself in a season that feels heavy, pause and ask: “Lord, what are You building in me through this?” It may be perseverance. It may be patience. It may be deeper prayer. But one thing is certain — God is working. This chapter encourages us to stop measuring our lives by comfort and start measuring them by obedience. Thriving is not about escaping hardship but discovering God’s presence in it. It is choosing faith over fear and worship over worry. Today, if you are weary, know this: your story is not over. God is using every tear, every delay, and every disappointment to bring about something beautiful. You are not just surviving this season — You are becoming stronger through it. Prayer Lord, help me trust You in every season. Teach me to grow through my trials and to find Your peace in the middle of uncertainty. I believe You are working all things for my good. Amen.