God is Faithful in Trials

Donna's Story

I grew up in a minister’s home so my life was always based around church and a love for the Lord. At the age of 8, I realized I was a sinner and needed to be forgiven of my sins. I have never doubted that salvation experience and have never doubted I would spend eternity with my Lord when I die. If life had been easy, everything would have been fine.

However, by my early 30’s, my life became very difficult. Over a period of years, and through many difficult situations, I was repeatedly hurt and let down by those who should have been supporting and loving me. Some people who professed to be Christians did not act Christ-like, and they caused me great pain.

At one point, I was so low that when a conference speaker spoke of sometimes being in a “valley,” (low point in our lives) I remember thinking that I would be happy to be in the valley – I felt I was miles underground. But the truth is – God was right there underground with me all the time.

The good news is that although I struggled through storm after storm – God never left my side. He carried me all the way. I never felt alone or abandoned by God. I knew He was with me all the time. My faith and dependence on God multiplied a hundredfold during those very difficult years. The verse I clung to during those hard times was Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

God is good. I do not believe God caused any of those bad situations – but I do believe He used them for good, and He certainly showed me His grace, love, and faithfulness through it all.

God has continued to work in my life, and He has brought me to a very happy place. I do not know what is in store for me – but I do know that God will be there through it all, and He will never leave me. He has shown me that already.

Relevant Scripture

Jeremiah 29:11 (New International Version)

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."