The act of authentic worship and trusting God in your pain can become a cliché mantra, especially if 2025 has not gone as well as you had planned. Of course, the words other people offer in times of adversity is both honourable and comforting, as they try to sooth the pain we are experiencing. And yet, it is in the middle of our brokenness we can find the space to take off our I-have-totally-got-it-altogether-everything-is-fine mask and finally get raw and authentic with God. I know what you’re thinking, ‘What good can come from my suffering?’ Indeed, what good plan could ever come from the unpleasantness of pain, right? Nevertheless, it is in our most desperate circumstances where God becomes more interested in changing us than changing our situation. 

In the past week, three close friends of mine have experienced the heat from the fires of adversity. One friend has had to resign from a job she absolutely loves. Another friend is grieving the loss of her beloved dog, and another is feeling the backlash from the sting of false accusations. All three are believers, and yet, all three are experiencing deep pain. As their friend, it breaks my heart to see their heart break during this difficult season. 

However, one thing I have discovered through my own journey of rising up from the ashes of adversity is to not be afraid of the dark cavern we find ourselves in. The moments we feel alone because we don’t know what to do next are the very moments we discover an expression of our faith that brings authentic worship. The pressing situation can help us to press into God’s presence, power, and authority that can override and overcome any difficult circumstance. 

As Barbara Wentroble so wisely states, “Sometimes the Lord is more interested in changing us than changing the situation.” I could not agree more. God uses our seasons of pain to work on our character and capacity so we are capable of trusting Him with the plan and purpose He has for us. And as painful as the valleys are, we learn things about ourselves and God that we could have never learned on the mountain top.

Still not convinced. Let me share a story found in Acts chapter 16. 

Paul and Silas find themselves in the most deepest, darkest prison cell, chained by the ankles and reeling in agony from being beaten with rods. ‘Picture this: It’s midnight. In the darkness of their cell, Paul, and Silas – after surviving the severe beating – aren’t moaning and groaning; they’re praying and singing hymns to God. The prisoners in adjoining cells are wide awake, listening to them pray and sing. Suddenly, the ground begins to shake, and the prison foundations begin to crack. You can hear the sound of jangling chains and the squeak of cell doors opening. Every prisoner realises that his chains have come unfastened.’ Acts 16:25-26 [The Voice Translation]  

Doesn’t that inspire your faith to rise up from the ashes? Even though they were feeling the full brunt of the fires of affliction, the dire circumstances got Paul and Silas all fired up. But, do you want to know what inspires me the most about this story, it’s the fact their authentic worship, their trust of God’s plan even in their pain was what made the ground shake and others take notice. The fires of adversity that were designed to consume actually ignited a fire within which in turn caused everyone’s chains to come undone. 

Jesus promises in John 16:33 that, ‘…so that trusting in Me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties But take heart! I’ve conquered the world.’ [MSG] 

What a promise!

When we step into authentic worship and trust God’s plan even in our pain, our faith becomes unshakable when things are shaking. We sense God’s peace even when the chaos surrounds us. And those furnace fires of adversity that were sent to consume will be the spark that ignites the warrior within you. 

Like I said before, adversity is to not be afraid of the dark cavern we find ourselves in, as we work through and process painful seasons. For it is then we can show others the authenticity and maturity of our faith, as we allow and ask God to help change us rather than asking Him to change the situation.  

So, if your 2025 has been far less than amazing and you’ll be glad to see the back of it at midnight on December 31st, know that you’re in good company. Paul and Silas’ praised, even in their pain (at midnight I might add), was the authentic worship that got God’s attention, that caused the ground to shake and break chains so others are free. 

Worth thinking about, right?! 

Merry Christmas and I pray you will have a blessed 2026. 

Wendy xo