Thorns and Roses

By: Lola Oni

Friday, August 21, 2026

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6

Like waves of the sea, life is full of peaks and valleys. Many people describe that up and down process as the "seasons of life." We've been on the mountaintop, we've been in the valley, and we've been everywhere in between. But if we're diligently seeking the Lord, He will be the anchor that steadies us in the storm. He is our faithful God that is present in ALL of life's seasons.

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17

Trusting God means we faithfully acknowledge His sovereignty. We can't control the outcome of every situation, but our faith in God and His unchanging promises fills us with hope. When our prayers seem to be unanswered, we must overcome our human tendency to complain because our grumbling and complaining displeases God. Our complaints tell God that our gaze is focused on our problems instead of Him. Instead of grumbling, we must boldly pray like the Psalmist:

Please listen, God, and answer my prayer! I feel hopeless, and I cry out to you from a faraway land. Psalm 61: 1-2 (CEV)

The trials of live will come and go, but none of them will last forever. Psalm 30 says weeping endures for a night, but joy will come in the morning. God is faithful, so He will help us navigate those difficult seasons of life. But first, we must put our trust in Him. If you're stuck in a trial, don't lose hope! Stay patient and keep praying. God's Word commands us to pray without ceasing, and to give Him thanks in all circumstances, including our trials.

I've heard that a grateful heart is the best antidote for life's discouragement. No matter what we're facing, our cup of gratitude must always remain full. Trust God! Our faith in His promises is what makes life's difficult seasons bearable. After all, God never asked us for our input, and He never promised that we'd understand the reasons for our trials. But He did instruct us to persevere and endure them!

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. James 1:12

It won't be easy, but our trials of faith will refine us. God will use them to bring out the best in us for His glory!