All trials look different and come in various sizes accompanied with diverse amounts of pressure. Each of us, regardless of our age, spiritual maturity, relationship status, or vocation, occasionally face situational pressures that seem impossible to maneuver. In the midst of the pain in these seasons of life, the Bible provides us with hope in sundry ways. Scripture reminds us of grace that is greater in our weakness (2 Cor. 12:9), a God who is faithful regardless of the pressured circumstance (1 Cor. 10:13), a magnificent purpose for everyday living (Rom. 8:28-29), and wisdom that is generously available to us (James 1:2-5) as we seek to persevere by the wonderful power provided to us in Christ (Phil. 1:6; 4:13).

Notwithstanding these wonderful truths, there seems to be an even greater encouragement that God provides when His faithful ones face life’s most difficult circumstances. When trials seem impossible, God offers His best to each of us in the midst of the struggle. So what is it? Let’s discover what God offers through the following case studies.

Consider Moses

When the children of Israel lived under the harsh tyranny of the Egyptian Pharaoh, God determined to send deliverance to them through Moses. God tells Moses of His plan at the burning bush. After hearing of the incredible plan God has in store – how God would use him to deliver the Israelites – Moses could not believe it. He said, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?” In other words, this trial seemed impossible. How did God respond? “I will certainly be with you” (Ex. 3:12).

Consider Joshua

Moses, the greatest prophet who ever lived, was dead. The children of Israel stood on the brink of the Promise Land. The only problem: other people lived there who did not know that God gave their land away to someone else. Joshua faced an entire ministry of conflict, after conflict, after conflict. With a challenging group of people to lead and an incredible task in front of him, Joshua faced a seemingly impossible trial. What did God tell him? “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Josh. 1:9).

Consider Gideon

The Midianites oppressed Israel so badly for seven years that the Israelites were living in dens and caves in the mountains. The story picks up with Gideon threshing wheat in a winepress as he was hiding. With Gideon both scared and hiding, the angel of the Lord approached him, calling him to deliver the Israelites from the Midianites. This was another impossible trial. Gideon asked, “Oh my Lord, how can I save Israel? Indeed my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.” The Lord said to him, “Surely I will be with you…” (Judg. 6:16).

Consider Jeremiah

With all of Israel now facing imminent captivity, Jeremiah was called by God to be a prophet. God’s call was simple – proclaim repentance to the people who are rejecting me and do this your entire life as you watch me judge my people for their disobedience. Jeremiah immediately told God that He could not do it. The task to which God called him was too great – seemingly impossible. God responded, “…Do not be afraid of their faces, for I am with you to deliver you” (Jer. 1:8). After further discussion, God told Jeremiah, “…for I am with you,” said the Lord, “to deliver you” (Jer. 1:19).

Consider the Disciples, You, and Me

The disciples rejoiced over the resurrection of Jesus. They listened intently as Jesus talked and walked with them for forty days after His resurrection. As Jesus gave them instructions, He said, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you…” (Matt. 28:18-20). Jesus gave the disciples the seemingly impossible task of taking the gospel to every nation. In so doing, they were not merely to proclaim it, but also to live it. They were to teach others to observe – to learn in order to live.

However, Jesus gave them more than just a command and the authority to perform this task. He also gave them this promise – “…and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matt. 28:20). Jesus promises His disciples throughout the ages that He will be with them as they seek to live out His commandment to them.

Here’s the Good News in Your Seemingly Impossible Trial

Friend, you do not want to miss this. Here is your good news. Just as God has always comforted, encouraged, and exhorted His followers to obey Him and face their impossible tasks, He does the same for you today. He offers you His presence. No matter how difficult the task, no matter how challenging the person, no matter how rough the relationship, no matter how hopeless the situation, no matter how lonely the night, no matter how perplexing the choices, no matter how rebellious the child, no matter how demanding the responsibility, no matter how impossible the trial, my friend, God is with you.

Oh, do not miss the sweetness of this truth. Right now, wherever you are, whatever you are doing, regardless of your fears, life habits, disappointments, discouragements, or the consequences of your own sins, God is with you. You are not alone. You do not face the impossible by your own strength or in your own weakness. With the incredible temptation to be immobilized by fear, do not forget – God is with you. Take time to pray, reflect, recognize, and be grateful for the presence of God in your life today, regardless of your circumstances.

Questions for Reflection

Do you ever miss the One who goes with you wherever you go? Do you neglect to recognize His presence? Have you given in to intense loneliness and crippling fear because you have forgotten the One who never leaves nor forsakes you?