Most of us are terrified to go through difficulties and situations we aren’t prepared for – financial struggles, health issues, failed relationships or children who have gotten off track. Yet, it’s in these unplanned circumstances, the instances where we feel like we can’t catch our breath, that God is actually up to something amazing. I’ve had my share of heartbreaking moments throughout my lifetime – my mother’s battle with cancer, her death when I was a teenager, my runaway experience, my son’s diagnosis of Autism and my diagnosis of cancer. In the midst of these trials, I couldn’t see the other side of my circumstance. I was unable to grasp that God was at work, orchestrating everything for me so that I could reach the treasure He had waiting for me. I was paralyzed with fear, certain nothing good could come out of what I was going through. But, I learned we must go through training before we are ready for God’s treasure. It’s a process! As we journey through trials, unbeknownst to us, God has already placed His treasure for us on the other side of the storm. You are not alone – God will guide you through the trial and bring you to the other side.

The Bible is filled with stories about people struggling through impossible circumstances, ultimately reaching the treasure God had for them. I’m sure if you asked any of these biblical heroes, all of them would say they never could have imagined the blessings God had in store for them. The story of Joseph is one of my favorites. His jealous brothers sold him into slavery and he was brought to Egypt. Yet even though he was a slave, the Scripture states, “The LORD was with Joseph so that he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master” (Gen 39:2). One of Pharaoh’s high officials, Potiphar, was Joseph’s master who showed him favor and eventually put Joseph in charge of his entire household. But Joseph eventually ended up in prison for something he didn’t do. While in prison, Joseph again received the LORD’s favor and interpreted the dreams of two prisoners, which led to him interpreting the dreams of Pharaoh. Because of this, Joseph was elevated high up in the Egyptian government. All of this put Joseph in the position to save his family who eventually came to Egypt in a devastating famine. The text reads, “Then Joseph said to his brothers, ‘Come close to me.’ When they had done so, he said, ‘I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you’” (Gen 45:4-5). I can’t help but wonder if this is when Joseph finally understood all of his trials were necessary training for him to be ready to receive God’s blessings. All of the pain, abuse and abandonment was a set up for the treasure God had waiting for him.

I’ve learned that I am able to walk through the struggles in my life with God by my side, growing stronger with each trial and ready to step into the destiny He has waiting for me. It doesn’t matter where you’ve been, what you’ve done or how far gone you feel you are. When you sense the urge to give up and stop, keep pushing forward, working through the pain and heartache. God said, “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psa 46:10). The word still (raphah in Hebrew) means to relax. He DID NOT say to stop moving. God is with you, training you up for your treasure. You need to keep your eyes on Him and push forward in faith so that you will reach your destiny. All of the pain, suffering and hard work will be worth it once you get to the other side. Even though you can’t see it, I promise God’s treasure is waiting for you!