GPBC Blog

It is abundantly clear throughout Scripture that we, as Christ-followers, will not be exempt from trials. This biblical truth was instilled early in my faith walk. Over the years, I’ve learned many lessons through personal adversities: Trials come in various forms – physical, mental, emotional, financial, spiritual, and relational; They can be short or long in duration, and sometimes lifelong; Trials may be from God to prepare and position us, from our spiritual enemy, or because of our humanity; To not be defeated, we need God’s presence to guide, comfort, and sustain us; and Jesus is faithful to be with those who invite him into their pain.

One significant trial was in music. I began playing the trumpet at age eight, and I was gifted. From day one, I pursued music with intense dedication through practice, private lessons, education, competitions, and performances. Playing trumpet was my passion, worship, ministry, career pursuit, success, and reputation. I encountered some trials being a girl in a boy’s world, but God strengthened me to not let them deter me. Then, at age 32, I was maimed by a dental procedure - main canal nerve damage with facial paralysis meant I could no longer play the trumpet. I did not blame or question God, but I was hurting physically and struggling emotionally with depression. I also wrestled with my identity in Christ: I thought I’d surrendered my musical gifting to the Lord, but through this hard loss, I discovered I had not. I experienced spiritual disappointment with myself. In a church service, overwhelmed by all these feelings, I sought God. Nearby, I saw a family and their child was battling cancer. They showed strong faith in a devastating situation, and I believed I would not endure it as well as them. Seeing their trial, I felt ashamed and small for being so discouraged in mine. Right then, the Spirit whispered to me. I learned: Don’t compare your trials to others’, and remember God’s truths.

LIE: My trial is insignificant compared to another’s or my problems matter less to God.
TRUTH: Trials, like sin, do not have a hierarchy in God’s economy. For each person, their trial is real to them - heartache and suffering - regardless of others’ tribulations. Every believer is a child of God and matters to him. (Gal 3:26, Rom 5:8)

LIE: I have less faith than others.
TRUTH: They are experiencing God’s presence (Is 43:1-2, 1 Peter 5:10). The thought of their trial is unbearable to us because, in that moment, we do not need or possess His grace for that specific trial. If we later encounter that trial, Jesus will meet us with his comfort and strength.

LIE: Some don’t have trials - their life is better or easier than mine.
TRUTH: Others’ trials may be unknown or unseen, but they do have them. (2 Cor 4:18)

I’ve also learned to strive for more than just surviving the troubles God allows in my life, and the outcome of the trial does not define success.

“By whatever means God ordains (“trials”), the more we seek him, engage him, experience him, to that same degree we will be transformed into the likeness of Christ.” - Chip Ingram

In seeking, God hears my cries and meets me in my despair. By engaging, Jesus reveals himself, often in new ways, and I find comfort, peace, clarity, and strength. By experiencing my Redeemer in deeper relationship, I better understand and trust God’s character as He lovingly guides me in the sanctification of mine. Victory is in my perseverance and growth!

I’m available to share my full story, encourage, and provide resources to women who are experiencing relational trials where there is addiction, abuse, or sexual betrayal. (2 Cor 1:4)

A Daughter of the Most High King,

Tamara

Additional Scripture: 2 Cor 4:7-9, 1 Tim 3:10, Is 41:10, Psalm 91:9-10, Phil 4:13, 2 Cor 12:9-10.