Trials are a part of life, right? Sometimes it seems like no matter how hard you try, there is just no end to them.

In times like these we catch ourselves saying, "Nobody has it as hard as me. Nobody knows what I am going through. My trials are harder than everyone else's." We allow ourselves to feel alone far too often, imprisoned by our own self-doubt. But that doesn't do anyone any good. We can't grow from that. We must be wiling, to endure and move forward with the hope that tomorrow will be a better day.

How can I endure these trials?

To endure means to last. Successfully enduring a trial does not mean you come out of it a glowing, flawless person. Trials are put in our path to help us learn and grow. Whether they are big or small, there is a purpose.

Running out of gas and losing a loved one are both trials put in your life for a purpose and can bring lessons of trust, hope, love and forgiveness. American politician Frank A. Clark once shared, "If you can find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn't lead anywhere." If your faith is being tried, the path that you are going down is likely going to bring much happiness and is worth the struggle.

How can I move forward?

Challenges come in waves and no one can escape them.

When one of my close friends passed away, I knew that the best thing for me to do was remember the good times with her, embrace those memories and let her live through them. Having a plan for remembering her, as well as not leting her passing allow me to shut down, helped me come out of that trial a changed person.

There is no trick to moving forward. Although, just wanting to move forward is a good start.

Why try in the first place?

Our God, the being who created us, does not make mistakes. He has created perfect people and that includes you. Living up to His expectations can only be achieved if we work for it.

We are not only on this earth to succeed in our chosen pursuits but to fight like warriors for our family, our friends, and our God. We can't do that if we are wallowing about in our own self-pity.

We are made with the potential to become perfect. Getting up and trying is the first step we must take to endure the many days of darkness and confusion that will be crowding our view of the big picture that has been painted for us.

It will be daunting at times, but when you fight long enough and hard enough, you will eventually be able to look back and see your growth. And you'll be one step closer to the person you want to be.