Sometimes, it’s hard to make sense of what it means to walk by faith. The last few weeks definitely put my understanding to the test. As I served as an alternate juror for a trial, the details of the case stunned me.

The crime took place in rooms where Scriptures were prominently displayed. The victims were followers of Christ. As I learned about their story, I knew their lives stood for much more than the way they died. And yet, deep down inside — somewhere between my respect for God’s sovereignty and my sorrow over their tragedy, I wrestled. Why were they not spared? I wondered how they endured what they didn’t expect.

Thankfully, there is a way to find sacred sanity. In the midst of distress or suffering, Christ gives His followers His peace. He explained it this way, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33 NLT).

The Amplified Bible translation of this verse tells us how to take heart. It says, “be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.”]

It may take a while for us to reach the courageous and joy-filled stage of our troubles. I have no way of knowing to what extent the victims reached such a phase.

But our circumstances, no matter how sudden, painful, or unfair, are always subject to Christ’s power to overcome.

Is there an unexpected hardship you’re trying to endure? As we sit in a daze over a dilemma or frantically search for the cause of a crisis, our emotions can take us for quite a ride. But along the way, we’re invited to learn more about God. It’s become central to me gaining courage or having any measure of joy.

We can discover His strength to endure.

We can seek His wisdom for our decisions.

He is our refuge and our rest. (Psalm 62:8)

Such assurances are comforting. But who doesn’t want to be exempt from painful experiences? And yet, as I sat in the courtroom each day, my heart gave way to a greater reality. I took slow and deep breaths as it sank deeper into my bones. Sadly, there is no way to avoid encountering the heartache of a crisis. But through Christ, there is always a way to a deeper knowledge of God.

For the victims in the court case, they experienced Christ’s victory over death. (1 Corinthians 15:57) Because even in the unexpected, He still has the final say. With unanswered questions in our hearts and fears whispering in our ears, He wants His truth to settle into our souls. (Psalm 51:6)

By all means, it is healthy to grieve and reflect on the disruptions in our lives. We need to garner every bit of support required to preserve our mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health.

I’m grateful for family, friends, a good workout routine, and a skilled therapist. They provide me with space to vent and heal from the issues that challenge my faith. But faith doesn’t sugarcoat life’s tragedies or simplify solutions to what may be complicated. However, faith adds context around life’s circumstances. Otherwise, we may become stuck in our pain instead of choosing to grow in God’s grace.

Hence, there is cause for great joy in growth moments. They often come at the cost of letting go of a faulty perspective or embracing what God reveals through a difficult time. They may happen when we least expect it or as we learn to trust what He desires. In either case, as we trust in God’s faithfulness and love, we can expect His peace.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, life is unpredictable, sometimes painful or hard to understand. But You are always faithful. You are our help in the time of trouble. Whatever we face today or in the days to come, thank You for sacred sanity. Thank You for Jesus. For by Him, we overcome. In Jesus’ name, amen.

JOY TO THE SOUL: “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33 NLT).