Together Through Trials

By Becky Sims

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up as you are already doing.”

1 Thessalonians 5:11 HCSB

We have direct access to our God when we posture our hearts in prayer.

Everyone experiences tough times. That’s part of living in a fallen and sinful world. Even so, we’re better able to make it through these difficulties when we travel together.

As an eighteen-year-old college student, God called me to volunteer for our local Suicide Prevention Hotline. I had an interview and then fifty hours of in-person training before being able to answer my first call. The trainer in charge decided to put me on the adult line, making me the youngest person to receive that privilege.

My assigned shift was every Saturday morning from 6:00 AM to noon. On Friday nights, I went to my room a little earlier than usual, lit a small votive candle, and knelt beside my bed. I focused my prayers on those who would call during my shift, asking the Lord to bless me with the words and encouragement to best help each of them.

After my first solo shift, I met Judy, who worked the following shift. We decided to each work three extra hours per week so that we could overlap. It was wonderful to share that time together. This allowed us to stretch our legs and take quick breaks without needing to forward the phone lines to the front desk. We were also able to each answer a call when the need arose.

I’m thankful that those—who felt so alone in their pain—were willing to reach out and ask for help. As volunteers, we’d ask questions and take notes, describing what the callers were going through, in order to determine their current risk of harming themselves. We’d review our lists of options and organizations to determine which would be the best to connect them with. And finally, we would encourage them to reach out to others who they were close to and possibly to professionals who could also support them.

Those of us who are believers in Christ are given a direct connection to our Lord. We can call on Him in prayer both day and night with any problems we may be going through. He is our confidant and greatest advisor.

Yet, there are times in our lives when we need the practical help of those around us. Situations occur where we need others to surround, support, and encourage us. We may need guidance, rest, and restoration for weary bodies and souls. In these times, picking up the phone to call or text someone who cares about your well-being, or visiting a medical professional, may be the next best step in your care. It takes courage to reach out and ask for the help we need.

It also takes courage to be the one who reaches out to offer help. Galatians 6:2 encourages us to, “Carry one another’s burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Though we won’t always know the right words or how to best help in a given situation, we can encourage and support others by asking a few questions. And lending a listening ear can make all the difference in making someone feel loved and valued.

Life’s trials don’t disappear immediately. In Joshua 1 we read, “I will not leave you or forsake you…Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” He will stay with us no matter the outcome. We are assured that, “Many adversities come to the one who is righteous, but the Lord delivers him from them all.” (Psalm 34:19)

Let’s be willing to be vulnerable and brave, stand up for truth, and support those in need. And let us be willing to ask for the help we need, so we will be healthy enough to continue helping others.

About the Author

Becky Sims is the author of the PORCH CHAIR PRAYERS devotional blog and book series. She prays that her writing will help other women grow closer to the Lord and find hope and meaning in their lives with confidence in their future in heaven. Becky is a wife and mother. She is active in her church choir. She especially enjoys quiet time with the Lord and often spends time on her porch chair in prayer.

Website: https://beckysims.org/links