Daily InsPirational MOments with Rev. Dr. Precious Prothro
July 19, 2026
Strength for the Journey
Today I call on David, James, and Peter to remind us of the strength we have in Christ.
Life’s trials have no set timing, and often there is no warning. We can be swept into a whirlwind of circumstances we never expected. In those moments, our human nature wants to ask, Why? We may even wonder if what we are facing is fair.
David reminds us in Psalm 23:4 that even in our darkest valleys, we are not alone. Our Shepherd walks with us, guides us, and comforts us.
James takes us a step further. In James 1:2–4, he challenges us to shift our perspective, encouraging us to “count it all joy” when trials come because they produce patience and maturity in our faith.
Then Peter tells us not to think our fiery trials are strange. Instead, he calls us to rejoice because we are “partakers of Christ’s sufferings,” knowing that God’s glory will one day be revealed (1 Peter 4:12–13).
That is a lot to take in, isn’t it?
How are we supposed to have joy when it feels like our world is falling apart? How do we rejoice when our hearts are heavy, our prayers seem unanswered, and we don’t know what tomorrow holds? Are we really expected to see hardship as a blessing when we feel lost and overwhelmed?
It seems we are. Not because suffering is enjoyable, but because God is at work even when we cannot yet see what He is doing.
I don’t believe our humanity is dismissed simply because we follow Christ. Scripture never tells us we cannot grieve, ask questions, or shed tears. What it does tell us is that we do not walk through our suffering alone.
God is not tempting us with evil. He has not abandoned us in the valley. He is producing something in us through every trial, and His presence remains with us every step of the way.
So, when life becomes difficult, let us remember David’s confidence, James’ perspective, and Peter’s hope. There is suffering for a season, but there is also a Shepherd in the valley, strength for the journey, and glory on the other side.
Lord, when trials come unexpectedly, help us to remember that You are with us. Strengthen our hearts, steady our faith, and give us the courage to trust You even when we do not understand. Teach us to see Your presence in the valley, Your purpose in the process, and Your promise beyond the pain. In Jesus’ name, amen.