Walking Through Trials with God
Introduction
Trials can last for a varying amount of time. To help you this practice likens a trial to a hiking trail that we are hiking with God. You start at the trailhead and walk with God to the end, savoring unexpected graces while enduring hard realities. The practice has three phases. It is suggested that you do only one phase at a time and repeat them as you feel led. For some people, celebrating reaching the destination even in the middle of the trial can be helpful as it provides hope as you look forward to when the trial will be over.
Practice
The Beginning
Ask the Holy Spirit to be with you.
Sit in God’s presence and enjoy the comfort He provides.
Thank God for being with you through this trial.
Picture Jesus standing beside you at the trailhead of this trial. His bag is packed with everything that you will need. He has water, food, and extra clothing for the both of you.
Name the trial you are experiencing. This name is the path you will be walking with God. Ask the Holy Spirit if the length/distance is known. Note the answer. It can be detailed or unclear.
Ask the Father what He is wanting you to experience on this journey. Are there springs to bring refreshment on the path? Will there be views (understanding)? What makes this path special?
Are there shortcuts that Jesus knows about?
Are there places where the Father will carry you?
Write down what you have experienced/learned.
Finish the time by sitting in God’s gaze and thanking Him.
The Journey
Ask the Holy Spirit for strength and peace.
Thank Jesus for walking with you on this trial.
Ask the Father if He has anything he wants to show you? Write down what comes to mind and take time to go deeper.
Inspect your emotional and physical state. Do you need to rest? Are you feeling pain? Ask the Holy Spirit for comfort and help.
What do you need from God at this moment? Ask Jesus for provision.
Do you need to lament? Imagine being held by the Father and crying into His shoulder.
Write down what you have experienced/learned.
Finish the time by sitting with God for a few minutes. Enjoy His company.
The Destination
Ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom and thankfulness.
Give thanks to God for bringing you through this trial.
Reflect on the journey. How have you grown closer to God through this trial?
Which ways did you experience God that were unexpected? Talk with Jesus about these unexpected experiences.
Recall the provisions you received from God on the Journey. Talk with the Holy Spirit about how those provisions brought you closer to God.
Write down what you have experienced/learned.
Finish the time by a time of praise and worship to God.
Biblical Reflections
Luke 4: 1-14: Reflect on the trial Jesus experienced in the desert. Focus on his relationship with the Holy Spirit.
Romans 5: 3-5: Paul speaks to the process of going from suffering to hope. Ask the Holy Spirit for an increase of God’s love.
James 1: 2-4: Trials are part of the process of how the testing of your faith leads to you being complete.