While it's true that not everything that happens to us is good, it's also true that God can bring good out of everything that happens to us. Romans 8:28 (NLT) says: "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them." That means that even if the devil succeeds in messing up our lives or circumstances somehow, God will bring good out of it in a way that only He can. We can rest assured that just as the Lord has a plan for our lives, He has a plan for every circumstance we'll ever face - and His plans are always to do us good, not harm. (Jeremiah 29:11)

I believe that it's absolutely essential for us to cooperate with God during our tests and trials. The apostle Paul gives us some insight as to how we can do this when he writes: "I am going to keep on being glad, for I know that as you pray for me, and as the Holy Spirit helps me, this is all going to turn out for my good." (Philippians 1:19 TLB) While there's no substitute for seeking God in prayer on our own behalf, having fellow believers stand in faith with us can be a tremendous asset. If our trials are long and unrelenting, there may be times when it's difficult for us to pray in faith, and those are the times when it greatly benefits us to have other faith-filled believers interceding for us. If you don't have faithful companions like these, keep praying for some until the Lord brings them across your path.

Paul goes on to mention the importance of our dependence upon the Holy Spirit for help. If we try to get through our trials in our own wisdom and strength, we will fail miserably. But if we rely on God's guidance and grace, we will position ourselves for the Lord to direct our steps in the paths of victory. I've discovered that it's essential for us to spend regular time with God in unhurried and undistracted prayer and Scripture reading - asking Him to speak to our hearts, and listening for His voice. The Lord uses these moments of being still before Him to impart to us His wisdom, peace, and strength, and all the things that we can't receive from Him when we're on the run.

Notice how Paul says he's going to "keep on being glad." He knew that he didn't have to wait for his deliverance in order to be joyful. As soon as he began trusting God to bring good out of his situation, he became filled with a sense of hope that produced abundant joy. The Lord wants us to be continually filled with joyful anticipation of the good things He intends to pour into our lives as we walk in close fellowship with Him each day.

Over the years, my family and I have witnessed time and time again how God can bring good out of even the most heartbreaking experiences. We've learned that when we put our trust in the Lord and maintain a hopeful attitude in adversity, He can turn our trials into triumphs. No matter what you're going through today, please know that God can supernaturally bring good out of it somehow. Believe it. Expect it. And keep declaring through it all, "This is all going to turn out for my good!"

Prayer: Lord, when I am faced with heartbreaking circumstances, remind me to turn to You first. Help me to get quiet before you, and to seek You through focused prayer and Scripture reading. Speak to my heart, and make me sensitive and obedient to Your voice. Bring Christlike believers across my path, and show me who to call on for prayer support. Teach me to rely on Your Spirit, and to trust You in a way that will enable me to wait for my miracle with joy. Thank You that You are faithful to work all things out for my good and Your glory!