An Inspirational Message for Waiting on God

TRUSTING GOD IN HARD TIMES

Lisa Osteen Comes grew up in the church. Her parents, John (late) and Dodie Osteen are well known as leaders in the ministry. Her brother Joel Osteen is the Senior Pastor of Lakewood Church which has an average of 52,000 attendees per week. Even though it may seem like Lisa had an easy life growing up in a loving Christian family, she’s faced several hardships along the way. 

When she was born, the doctor told her parents that she developed a crippling disease similar to cerebral palsy and that she wouldn’t be able to walk or talk. Her parents prayed and trusted God and a few months later, she was completely healed.

One day at church, Lisa was performing her job duties while opening her parents’ mail.  She explains, “When I picked up this particular package, I did not know that I was about to open a pipe bomb filled with shrapnel and ten-inch nails. When I lifted the last piece of tape on the flap of the box, it exploded.” Lisa thought she was going to die but once she came to her senses, she realized her injuries weren’t life-threatening and she would live. 

Her mother was in her late 40’s when she was diagnosed with liver cancer. Lisa explains, “The doctors told us she only had a few weeks to live. But my mother kept her focus on God and His words…Those few weeks the doctors gave her have grown into thirty-seven years.”

In her early twenties, she went through an unwanted divorce and fell into depression. She wondered how God could ever use her in the ministry. “I felt disqualified. It seemed like I was drowning in shame and hurt, but I pressed through and refused to give up. God restored my life and purpose. With time and healing, I met the love of my life, Kevin,” she shares. They have been married for 30 years.

When they tried to start a family of their own, they faced infertility challenges. After eight years of treatments and surgeries, the doctors said they couldn’t do anything more. She was faced with discouragement and heartbreak, but her husband constantly encouraged her to trust God. “During those eight years, when we could not see it, God had a plan, and He was working on our behalf… bringing us the children He ordained for us to have,” she shares. They adopted three children from Mercy Multiplied. They didn’t even have to apply. God supernaturally brought them into their lives. 

IT'S ON THE WAY

Through all the pain, Lisa learned that God not only can be trusted but that He does have our best interest at heart. She wants to encourage her readers to not give up hope. She shares, “Know this, your dream has an appointed time and God always has victory in store for you.” Lisa also gives practical steps to help you through the hard times, like learning to TRUST the Lord:

•    T=Test-The trial you are in is a test of your faith. It’s only a test.
•    R=Rest-Remember that in quietness and trust you will find your strength in God. Trust brings rest.
•    U=Uproot-During difficult times, you must uproot thought patterns that are not from the Lord.
•    S=Stand-Trust is a stand of faith. Learn to stand your ground against the enemy. 
•    T=Timing-Your answers will come in God’s perfect timing.