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When you’re in the pit, it can seem like there’s nowhere to go. But just look up…

Often times, I think we have to hit rock bottom in order to realize how much we need God in our lives.

Sometimes we have to face the toughest of trials to truly experience His grace and mercy.

I’d even go as far as to say that sometimes we have to reach a place of on-our-knees despair before totally falling in love with the One who first loved us.

Reflecting on my own life, I realize that I had to go through a tough season before I could ever comprehend how faithful and true God is to me. In fact, I’m infinitely thankful for that tough season’s effect on my relationship with Christ as I meditate on these words from chapter four of John Piper’s When the Darkness Will Not Lift:

“Satan cannot do anything apart from God’s sovereign permission (Job 1:12; 2:6), which is governed by God’s infinite wisdom and covenant love. Thus Satan’s servants become God’s sanctifying envoys (2 Cor. 12:7-10). So even if Satan has a hand in your darkness, he is not free to do more than your loving Father permits, and God will turn it for your good (Luke 22:31-32).” (P. 57)

Did you catch that last part? God will turn it for our good. And if we hold on, there are several promises ahead:

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:6-7

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds. For you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness, and let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4

Blessed is the man who remain steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12

Jen