Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Chuck Swindoll
In my darkest ministry seasons, when unexpected and seemingly unfair blows left me feeling afflicted, confused, persecuted, and rejected, two profound truths became my anchor of stability. Like holding firmly to the mast in a violent storm, these principles kept me from becoming bitter as the wild waves of difficulty continued to crash around me. Truth One: Divine Sovereignty Nothing touches you that has not passed through the hands of your heavenly Father. Nothing. Whatever occurs in your life today, remember: God has sovereignly surveyed and approved it (Job 2:3-6). We may never understand why, but our pain is no accident to Him who guides our journey. Before any trial ever reaches you, it passes through Him first. Truth Two: Purposeful Pain Everything you endure is designed to prepare you for serving others more effectively. Everything. Your current struggle isn't meaningless. Our heavenly Father, committed to shaping us into Christ's image, knows the ultimate value of these painful experiences (2 Corinthians 1:3-7). Each trial empties our hands of self-sufficiency and turns us back to the faithful Provider. These principles transformed my journey through ministry's storms. I encourage you to: Write them where you'll see them daily 1. Commit them to memory 2. Hold tightly to them when the seas of difficulty rise 3. The day will come when you'll be thankful you did. I assure you. What scripture anchors your soul during life's storms? What truth has God used to keep you from becoming bitter in difficult seasons?
