Chris Marshell’s Testimony
Life has a way of throwing unexpected challenges our way. Sometimes we’re born with difficulties, other times they come through accidents or circumstances beyond our control. But in every trial, there’s an opportunity to discover something profound about God’s character and His unwavering presence in our lives.
Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People?
This age-old question haunts many of us, especially when we’re walking through our darkest valleys. In John 9:1-3, Jesus encountered a man born blind, and His disciples asked the very question we often ask: “Who sinned – this man or his parents – that he was born blind?”
Jesus’ answer reveals something beautiful about God’s purpose in our pain: “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.”
Sometimes our struggles aren’t punishment – they’re platforms for God’s glory to shine through our lives.
When Faith Wavers in the Face of Suffering
It’s natural to question God when life gets overwhelming. We might find ourselves asking “Why me?” or “What good could possibly come from this?” These aren’t signs of weak faith – they’re honest human responses to genuine pain.
The key isn’t to suppress these questions but to bring them to God. He’s big enough to handle our doubts and strong enough to carry us through our darkest moments.
God’s Presence in Our Pain
He Goes Before Us
Deuteronomy 31:6 reminds us to “be strong and of good courage. Do not fear, nor be afraid of them. For the Lord your God, he is the one who will go before you.”
No matter how difficult our circumstances become, we never face them alone. God doesn’t just walk beside us – He goes ahead of us, preparing the way and ensuring we have what we need for each step.
Biblical Examples of God’s Faithfulness
Throughout Scripture, we see God showing up in impossible situations:
- Daniel in the lion’s den – God shut the mouths of the lions
- Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace – Jesus walked with them in the flames
- Job losing everything – God restored him double
The same God who delivered them is the same God holding us together today.
Understanding Grace vs. What We Deserve
Grace Isn’t a Paycheck
Sometimes we treat God’s grace like we’ve earned it, as if showing up to church or being a good person means God owes us blessings. But Romans 6:23 sets the record straight: “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
By nature, we all deserve death because of our sin. Instead, God gives us a gift – Jesus Christ and His grace.
Grace Is a Person, Not a Feeling
Grace isn’t just an abstract concept or warm feeling. Grace walked out of heaven, wrapped Himself in flesh, and took our place on the cross. Jesus took the death we deserved and gave us life instead.
New Mercies Every Morning
Lamentations 3:22-23 tells us: “Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.”
Every morning we wake up is proof that God isn’t finished with us yet. Each breath we take is undeserved mercy, evidence of His continued faithfulness in our lives.
Strength in the Storm
Hard-Pressed but Not Crushed
Second Corinthians 4:8-9 paints a picture of resilience through God’s strength: “We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.”
God never promised life would be easy. He promised we wouldn’t face it alone and that our battles wouldn’t break us.
Gratitude in Everything
First Thessalonians 5:18 instructs us to “in everything give thanks.” Notice it doesn’t say “for everything” but “in everything.” We might not thank God for the storm, but we can thank Him in the middle of it.
Every trial we survive becomes another reason to say “thank you, Jesus.”
Hope for Those Who Feel Forgotten
If you’re walking through difficult circumstances right now, feeling tired and holding everything together with prayer and maybe a little coffee, remember this: you’re not forgotten, you’re not forsaken, and you’re not finished.
The fact that you’re still breathing, still standing, still here – that’s evidence of God’s grace in your life.
Life Application
This week, challenge yourself to practice gratitude in the midst of your circumstances, whatever they may be. Instead of waiting for life to get easier before you thank God, find one thing each day to be grateful for right where you are.
Ask yourself these questions:
- How has God shown up in my life during difficult times?
- What “undeserved mercies” have I experienced recently?
- How can I share my testimony of God’s faithfulness with someone who needs hope?
- Am I treating God’s grace like something I’ve earned, or recognizing it as the undeserved gift it truly is?
Remember, you didn’t make it this far because you were strong – you made it because God is faithful. Your story isn’t over, and every breath you take is proof that God still has plans for your life