We rejoice in the fact that we can absolutely trust the Scriptures to be true. When we make mistakes or face difficulties, we can cling to the promise of Romans 8:28 (NKJV): “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” No matter what happens, even when it doesn’t align with God’s perfect will, we can trust that He is working for our good. God has a way of taking tragedy and turning it into triumph, rerouting us back onto the faith-filled journey He has planned for us.
Understanding this biblical truth allows us to see challenges through a different lens. James 1:2-4 (TPT) reminds us: “When you are surrounded by difficulties, see it as an invaluable opportunity to experience the greatest joy that you can! For you know that when your faith is tested, it stirs up in you the power of endurance. And then as your endurance grows even stronger, it will release perfection into every part of your being until there is nothing missing and nothing lacking.” It should be noted that we must exercise the measure of faith given to us until that spiritual muscle gets stronger. James 1:6 (TPT) warns, “Just make sure you ask empowered by confident faith without doubting that you will receive. For the ambivalent person believes one minute and doubts the next. Being undecided makes you become like the rough seas driven and tossed by the wind." This ends by saying, “Can you really expect to receive anything from the Lord when you’re in that condition?” Wow! We have no choice but to listen to the scriptures aloud until they permeate your spirit so much that battles won’t move us.
God does not send difficulties to harm us. James 1:13 (TPT) makes it clear: “When you are tempted, don’t ever say, ‘God is tempting me,’ for God is incapable of being tempted by evil, and He is never the source of temptation. Instead, it is each person’s own desires and thoughts that drag them into evil and lure them away into darkness.” We must understand that trials are part of life, but they also serve as tools to strengthen our faith and character.
The Need for Spiritual Armor
We will face challenges, and that’s why it’s essential to put on the whole armor of God, as described in Ephesians 6:11-13 (NKJV): “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”
Lessons from Amy Semple McPherson
As I’ve studied great ministers who have established powerful movements of God, I’ve noticed that none of them lived a life free of trials. For example, I was raised in a Foursquare church and attended L.I.F.E. Bible College, where I earned a Religious Education Degree. The founder of the Foursquare movement, Amy Semple McPherson, was a mighty woman of God who saw countless miracles through her ministry. A memorial room in Angeles Temple is filled with crutches, wheelchairs, and other medical equipment left at the altar as testimonies of healing.
Despite the extraordinary success of her ministry, Amy faced significant personal challenges. Her first love tragically passed away, and she endured two divorces. She also faced opposition from her own family—her mother tried to take over the organization Amy had built. On top of these struggles, she ministered during the 1940s and 50s, a time when women were rarely seen in powerful leadership roles.
Yet Amy persevered, fueled by her passion for sharing the “full-gospel” message. The Foursquare movement’s emblem of Jesus as Savior, Healer, Baptizer, and Soon Coming King reflected her belief in God’s transformative power. Her trials did not define her; instead, they refined her faith and strengthened her resolve.
Standing Strong in the Storms
Although Amy faced great trials, she also experienced an abundant life full of joy and adventure. Her story reminds us that God can bring victories in every area of our lives—health, provision, and relationships.
When we feel burdened by unanswered prayers or the weight of life’s difficulties, let us remember that God is always at work. He is shaping us, growing us, and preparing us for greater blessings. As Isaiah 40:31 (NKJV) says, “But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.”
Encouragement
Unanswered prayers are not a sign of God’s absence but an invitation to trust Him more deeply. Stand strong, knowing that God is working behind the scenes for your good. He is faithful to complete the good work He has started in you (Philippians 1:6).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the assurance that You are always working for my good, even when I don’t understand Your timing or plans. Help me to stand strong in the storms of life, to trust You in the waiting, and to endure with faith and joy. Strengthen me with Your Word and remind me of Your promises. May I remain steadfast, knowing that You will bring victory in every area of my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Let us rejoice in God’s faithfulness, trusting that His plans are far greater than our understanding and that His timing is always perfect.
