Phoenix: Live Love Laugh

Devotional: Going Through Hell

We all know what it feels like to be in the thick of it—

• When the bills are piling up
• When the diagnosis comes
• When relationships break
• When addiction whispers
• When your soul feels stretched so thin you don’t know if you’ll make it through another day

It’s that “I just don’t know what to do” feeling.
But deep down, we actually do know.
We know to turn to God.
We know to pray, to lean, to trust.
It’s just hard to remember that when the fire feels so close.

Remember and Trust God the Father

“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.”
— 1 Peter 4:12 (ESV)

Our Father sees all.
He knows the trials we face, and sometimes… He allows them.
Not to punish us—but to strengthen, shape, and prepare us.

When hardship comes, it’s not meaningless.
It may not make sense in the moment,
but it’s always working for your good.
(See James 1:2–4, Romans 8:28, Hebrews 12:1–11)

Remember and Trust Jesus the Son

“Fear not, I am the First and the Last, and the Living One. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.”
— Revelation 1:17–18

Jesus walked through suffering so you wouldn’t have to walk it alone.
He conquered death, pain, and fear—and He walks beside you right now.

He knows what to do.
And when you’re too weak to move, He carries you.

Remember and Trust the Holy Spirit

“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever.”
— John 14:16

You are not alone in your valley.
The same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you (Romans 8:11).
And He will breathe new life, even into the ashes of your pain.

Prayer Prompt

Lord,
When the fire is hot and the way unclear,
Help me to remember: You are with me.
You have not forgotten me.
You are not punishing me—You are preparing me.
Help me trust Your plan, even when I can’t see the path.
Give me the strength to hold on,
even when everything in me wants to give up.
Amen.

You’re not just going through this—you’re going through it with God.
And He’s the only one who knows how to bring beauty from ashes.
Hold on. 🔥