Surviving + Thriving: Clinging to God in Trials

In this episode our friend Jana joins the podcast to share about her recent journey through devastating trials in which she was forced to stare her worst fear in the eye. She shares some crucial scriptures and biblical practicals that have helped her not just survive this trial, but thrive in the life God has given her. “My friends, no matter where you are or what is happening in your life, cling to God. Choose Him. Because He alone can bring healing to any wound and joy to any heart.”

About the Speaker:
Jana Lusk was baptized at age 14, and life went a little bit differently than how she imagined it would! Recently, Jana went through a devastating trial, but was blessed to discover that her true treasure is guarded by angels in Heaven. She now lives an authentic and joy-filled life in Denver, Colorado, surrounded by the best tribe I girl could ever dream of. She enjoys writing, audiobooks, eating French fries, and going on long walks with her fur baby, Louie

Episode Notes: 

The question is not will tragedy strike; the question is what will you do when it does? 

• I knew as soon as I asked myself that question that I had to cling to God. I felt that if I didn’t have Divinity holding my heart, it would shatter completely and I would die or go crazy. So I chose to cling to God.
• Even if the ocean of grief in front of you feels overwhelming, you can cling to God and walk with Him through it. 

Practicals: Clinging to God During Trials

1.) Know and continuously remind yourself that God is only good

• James 1:13-17 
• Here are some scriptures that you can read that talk about God’s goodness:
• Exodus 34:6
• Psalm 23:6
• Psalm 34:8, 15, 17-19
• Psalm 145:9
• Nahum 1:7
• Matthew 7:11
• 1 John 1:5
• Romans 8:28 

Take the time to study this out until it is a deeply held conviction in your heart. 

2.) Find your anchor scriptures 

• When everything fell apart, I knew that whatever I repeated to myself would become what I believed. 
• John 11: 1-44. Not only does God hear my cry when I pray to Him; He knows my pain and weeps with me. 
• Proverbs 31:25 
• Nehemiah 8:10 My strength is not in my life circumstances or earthly blessings. It is in the joy that He alone gives me. 
• This last scripture is talking about how to handle divorce in the kingdom:1 Corinthians 7:12-13, 15 

Whatever your situation, find your verses. Cling to them like life rafts and say them over and over until you believe them with your whole heart. 

3.) Lean on your tribe

• We were created to be in community in both the good times and the bad. 
• Proverbs 17:17 “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” 
• Proverbs 18:24 “One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” 
• Do you have people that you would call if your world fell apart? Are you that person for someone else? 
• Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 
• Do you have people that can help you up when you fall? If you don’t, I would strong encourage you to invest your time and resources in those relationships. 
• God uses the people in our lives to bring us His healing.
• If you are going through a hard time, cling to your people. And if you aren’t going through a hard time, invest in your people. You never know when life might take an unexpected turn and you need to call on those relationships. 

My friends, no matter where you a