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Chapter Three

Seasons of Sorrow

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

(John 16:33)

I experienced a happy, simple, and peaceful childhood void of many trials or tragedies. My parents were happily married as far as I knew and still are. My relationship with my siblings is built on love and acceptance. There were no major health issues or shocking accidents. We lost my grandfather when he was in his fifties, but as a young child I thought this was normal. In my teen and young adult years, I faced some losses, the deaths of a couple of friends, and made a few bad decisions but nothing that altered my path.

In my late twenties I met my husband and after a brief romance we moved to California to explore life, further our careers, and become husband and wife. I was oblivious to the fact that my previous journey was relatively stress-free until my husband and I decided to start our family. The next few years were filled with many hard decisions, multiple trials, and some unexpected grief. After a decade of trying to conceive and trying to adopt, we have now moved on from what I call the “waiting season.” We are now in the “parenting small children and maintaining a healthy marriage” season (my next book perhaps). We have definitely made it through a hard season, but I cannot expect that life will be untroubled.

We are never guaranteed an easy path. We are actually warned that there will be many trials and sorrows. But if we can arm ourselves with the truth that Jesus has overcome the world, we are assured that we can overcome multiple trials and deep sorrow with our Heavenly Father’s peace.

Wait with Hope

List your major trials and sorrows thus far in life. Were you in a relationship with God when you faced those trials?

Are you expecting or preparing for any trials in the immediate future? (loss of an ailing loved one, financial hardship, change in relationship status)

When you are in a season of trials are you aware of God’s presence making your path straight, or do you find yourself lost in sorrow?

What action items can you put in place to be near to his word when facing stressful situations? (reading scripture, speaking with faith-filled friends, focusing on prayer life)