Unexpected Trials
Dear Friends,
Are you counting your blessings today? I sure am, especially for the women who said yes to writing for this What She Said Daily Treasure series! Each writer invites us to come to scripture, to taste and see that the Lord is good. We all look forward to each new series and love how each writer brings a different style but the same deep faith and passion for sharing Jesus with others.
Colette Fabry returns as a guest writer and tackles a tough topic — Unexpected Trials. We’ve all been there — life does not go as planned. Perhaps it’s a little bump in the road that messes up our whole day, or maybe it’s a crisis that guarantees life will never be the same. And we are shocked — surprised.
And then perhaps we remember Today’s Treasure:
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.
1 Peter 4:12
If we are surprised and struggling to make sense of it all, we are in good company.
Colette invites us to travel with Joseph, Esther, Elijah, Hannah, Paul, and Miriam as they each experience unexpected trials.
Colette starts Wednesday’s devotional with these words:
“Working as a professional counselor for 26 years, I have witnessed deep discouragement. I’ve sat with people whose cries came from such depth that they hardly sounded human: faithful people shattered by betrayal, parents grieving prodigal children, and women worn down by abusive relationships. I have walked alongside people carrying overwhelming grief. Even now, recalling their faces causes me to sigh deeply.
Have you experienced emotional discouragement? One of the realities of living in a fallen world is that all people, even those who know God, face seasons of weariness. There are times when the burdens of life, ministry, and disappointment make moving forward feel almost impossible. Elijah in the Bible understood this kind of weariness. He had just experienced one of the greatest spiritual victories recorded in Scripture. On Mount Carmel, God answered with fire, proving He alone is God. The prophets of Baal were defeated, and a long drought was ending. The nation had witnessed God’s power. For Elijah, the celebration was short lived. Right after God’s miraculous display of power, he learned that Queen Jezebel was threatening his life. Now the same prophet who stood boldly before kings ran in fear and collapsed emotionally. He sat under a tree and asked God to take his life. He said, “It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life…” (1 Kings 19:4)
We aren't told exactly why this particular threat pushed him over the edge, but Elijah had been in constant battle, preaching, confronting evil, and pouring himself out for a long time. He felt alone, as though no one else desired what God desired. The man who called down fire from heaven now wanted to give up.”
“...take away my life…” says Elijah to God. Friends, if you are that person, ready to quit, feeling hopeless, not just surprised but shocked by your fiery trial, Collette shares the help and hope of Jesus through these biblical people.
Collette is the founder of A Right Heart Ministries, where she and her staff assist grieving individuals, guiding them to recognize God as the healer of all brokenness. Colette is also the owner of Rochester Anger Management, a company dedicated to providing hope and healing for those in need. She holds a Master's degree in counseling and theology and is nationally certified in conflict resolution as well as grief and loss. For the past 28 years, Colette has successfully taught problem-solving and strategies to overcome everyday obstacles. Colette is a wife, mother of three sons, grandmother, a nationally known speaker, and author. She enjoys reading, studying, and writing, and says God’s greatest accomplishment in her life has been raising her sons. Of course, Collette cherishes time spent with her grandchildren.
Invite Colette into your life this week — she is a credible witness of God’s grace and presence in the story of unexpected trials.
Be sure to comment on her devotionals, and we will be sure she sees your words.
Treasured by Him,
Sharon
PRAYER
Oh Father, You have given us such passionate and gifted women who are eager to share their faith, Your love, and Your faithfulness with others. May many be strengthened by this week’s devotionals, especially those who are hanging on by their fingernails. We love You, Lord, and trust Your grace and mercy for us. Amen.
Are there other women in your life who could benefit from a daily dose of encouragement? Forward this email so they can click on this link to Subscribe to Daily Treasure to be better equipped to walk by faith on the pathway God has marked out for them.
Sharon W. Betters is a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, pastor’s wife, and cofounder of MARKINC Ministries, where she is the Director of Resource Development. Sharon is the author of several books, including Treasures of Encouragement, Treasures in Darkness, and co-author with Susan Hunt of Aging with Grace. She is the co-host of the Help & Hope podcast and writes Daily Treasure, an online devotional.
Contact Sharon with comments or questions at dailytreasure@markinc.org.
