Beyond the Trial

Proverbs 31:25

"Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles at the future."

Before a known upcoming trial, I often struggle to smile at the future. It is, of course, much easier after the fact. I am thankful for the Lord's grace when I am between multiple trials of the same kind and am able to smile at the next one.

Ordinarily, I take the night shift with my four-month-old, but my husband will spell me if she won't go back to sleep. Not so, lately, as he has been needed more at work and church. Also, My babysitting is out of commission for the next four weeks due to surgery or vacation; my best friend is leaving; and I just had to bow out of a weekly game that I was planning to enjoy with my friends. All of this leaves me home alone with the kiddos without much way to get out or have me time. I am between these trials, looking at the future.

Through God's grace, I am smiling.

Not because I am looking forward to the trial, but because of where my focus is. God will see me through it. He has seen me through past trials and He will see me through this coming trial. God is faithful.

Each trial He allows in my life leaves me with more knowledge about how to deal with the next one in a way that would glorify God. Looking back, I remember the feelings of dread upon looking toward the future of more time without my hubby and with my little kiddos alone. The actual occurrence wasn't even as rough as I thought it would be.  I knew my focus was in the wrong place at the time, but I still found it hard to shift. 

Now, after a few of those trials, I have some "proof" of God's ability to get me through, with which I can soothe and turn my feelings. It is easier to see His light in their midst, to see what He has taught me through the trial, and to look ahead at more without dread. So, even though I wasn't thinking of what I should have been in the moment, God, in His grace, gave me "proof" of why I should shift my focus. And, for now, at least, I am smiling. (I'm still working on the strength and dignity part. It's a learning experience!)

What are you struggling with today? Has God proven His reliability to you? Can you use that to help you shift your focus - whether you're looking at this moment or the future?