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Finding God's Path Through Your Trials: His Help for Every Difficulty You Face
From bestselling author Elizabeth George (nearly 4 million books sold) comes a book born of her desire to help others through difficult times. Finding God's Path Through Your Trials acknowledges the hard times we all face and reveals how people can "count it all joy," Emphasizing God is always with them and will help them every step of the way, Elizabeth reminds readers they will not be given trials they cannot bear without including a way of escape. She encourages people to turn to Jesus, where they will find hope, joy, and meaning in the journey, no matter how bumpy it seems.
252 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2007
About the author
Elizabeth George
306 books822 followersElizabeth George is bestselling author and national speaker dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. For over 30 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth has helped countless men and women:
- Simplify life by focusing on God’s priorities.
- Appreciate God’s Word and apply it to everyday situations.
- Respond to circumstances with confidence by seeing yourself through God’s loving eyes.
- Increase closeness in marriage by serving and honoring each other.
- Powerfully shape the hearts of children and teenagers.
- Enjoy greater intimacy with God.
Women around the world are drawn to Elizabeth’s approach of daily starting with the Bible to handle life’s challenges. Her ability to weave biblical truth into everyday issues has led readers to make over 15 of her books bestsellers. Elizabeth’s distinctive work, A Woman After God’s Own Heart, has sold over 1 million copies and received the ECPA Platinum Book Award. Likewise, her delightful book, A Girl After God’s Own Heart, remains a treasured gift for moms and grandmothers and made the CBA Bestseller List for fourteen consecutive months.
Elizabeth also encourages women through her radio broadcast, “A Minute for Busy Women,” featured on Christian radio stations across America and at www.OnePlace.com. She is also a regular keynote speaker at women’s conferences and retreats.
In the midst of their busy writing schedule, Elizabeth and Jim love spending time with their two married daughters and eight grandchildren, taking daily walks along golden sands, and enjoying the beautiful Hawaiian sunsets. They divide time residing in Honolulu, Hawaii and the Washington State coast.
- Simplify life by focusing on God’s priorities.
- Appreciate God’s Word and apply it to everyday situations.
- Respond to circumstances with confidence by seeing yourself through God’s loving eyes.
- Increase closeness in marriage by serving and honoring each other.
- Powerfully shape the hearts of children and teenagers.
- Enjoy greater intimacy with God.
Women around the world are drawn to Elizabeth’s approach of daily starting with the Bible to handle life’s challenges. Her ability to weave biblical truth into everyday issues has led readers to make over 15 of her books bestsellers. Elizabeth’s distinctive work, A Woman After God’s Own Heart, has sold over 1 million copies and received the ECPA Platinum Book Award. Likewise, her delightful book, A Girl After God’s Own Heart, remains a treasured gift for moms and grandmothers and made the CBA Bestseller List for fourteen consecutive months.
Elizabeth also encourages women through her radio broadcast, “A Minute for Busy Women,” featured on Christian radio stations across America and at www.OnePlace.com. She is also a regular keynote speaker at women’s conferences and retreats.
In the midst of their busy writing schedule, Elizabeth and Jim love spending time with their two married daughters and eight grandchildren, taking daily walks along golden sands, and enjoying the beautiful Hawaiian sunsets. They divide time residing in Honolulu, Hawaii and the Washington State coast.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
October 2, 2017
I would say I loved this book, but I'm not sure how much I love conviction!! ;) Needless to say, this author has done it again for me with her powerful Christian encouragement and Christ-like focus.
I loved how she used 1 Corinthians 10:13 ("There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.") as a theme verse, and I was so uplifted by that promise over and over again in each chapter.
Another great reminder that stuck out to me was the focus on counting our trials with joy. Wow, joy? I never really thought of that until I read this book, but I'm so ready to have joy in the trials of life :)
So I love this book because it's powerful and useful, but the truths presented are only really encouraging if we apply them to our lives!
*There are a few different uses of Bible versions, but NKJV was the main one used. I prefer KJV, but as a general rule I have my Bible handy whenever I'm reading any devotional*
I loved how she used 1 Corinthians 10:13 ("There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.") as a theme verse, and I was so uplifted by that promise over and over again in each chapter.
Another great reminder that stuck out to me was the focus on counting our trials with joy. Wow, joy? I never really thought of that until I read this book, but I'm so ready to have joy in the trials of life :)
So I love this book because it's powerful and useful, but the truths presented are only really encouraging if we apply them to our lives!
*There are a few different uses of Bible versions, but NKJV was the main one used. I prefer KJV, but as a general rule I have my Bible handy whenever I'm reading any devotional*
October 10, 2016
Age Appropriate For: All Ages
Best for Ages: 12 and up
I am always blessed when I open one of George’s books. This was no exception. I was going through a couple of rough weeks, and I needed this book to remind me of the truths about trials. Too often, I can feel like a victim, focus on my own pain, and justify my own sinful reactions. This book reminded me to consider it all joy, and gave practical ways to do that.
Many other books about going through hard times excuse behaviors and emotions because of circumstances. Elizabeth never does that. She states what the Bible says and gives both biblical and practical advice on how to follow it. She did not leave any space to say ‘but it is okay not to follow it when…’ Yeah, I do that enough, I don’t need an author giving me excuses.
Another thing I love about her? Her lack of gossip. Some of the books I have enjoyed about trails end up talking too much about issues with other people and it crosses the line into gossip. Of course, this sometimes means Elizabeth uses stories that might not be the greatest examples, but it is an aspect of her writing I am coming to appreciate more and more.
I love her step-by-step guides for things. I am planning on copying some of them and hanging them around my room. They are practical ways of applying the Bible. Who of us can say we couldn’t use that kind of help?
Overall this book helped me to see that these trials WILL are for my good, and not my harm. It gave me a deeper understand of not only how, but why, I can count every trial as a joy.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is going through a trail, needs encouragement, or who wants practical advice on the subject.
Best for Ages: 12 and up
I am always blessed when I open one of George’s books. This was no exception. I was going through a couple of rough weeks, and I needed this book to remind me of the truths about trials. Too often, I can feel like a victim, focus on my own pain, and justify my own sinful reactions. This book reminded me to consider it all joy, and gave practical ways to do that.
Many other books about going through hard times excuse behaviors and emotions because of circumstances. Elizabeth never does that. She states what the Bible says and gives both biblical and practical advice on how to follow it. She did not leave any space to say ‘but it is okay not to follow it when…’ Yeah, I do that enough, I don’t need an author giving me excuses.
Another thing I love about her? Her lack of gossip. Some of the books I have enjoyed about trails end up talking too much about issues with other people and it crosses the line into gossip. Of course, this sometimes means Elizabeth uses stories that might not be the greatest examples, but it is an aspect of her writing I am coming to appreciate more and more.
I love her step-by-step guides for things. I am planning on copying some of them and hanging them around my room. They are practical ways of applying the Bible. Who of us can say we couldn’t use that kind of help?
Overall this book helped me to see that these trials WILL are for my good, and not my harm. It gave me a deeper understand of not only how, but why, I can count every trial as a joy.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is going through a trail, needs encouragement, or who wants practical advice on the subject.
November 2, 2012
Perfect for anyone who is struggling.
It meant a lot to me this month.I've been struggling with some restlessness and worry. This book helped remind me that God and I can get through this together.
:)
It meant a lot to me this month.I've been struggling with some restlessness and worry. This book helped remind me that God and I can get through this together.
:)
December 14, 2020
I really enjoy Elizabeth's writing, its hard hitting and its really informative.
This book has challenged me to really dig deep and trust GOD in whatever trial I am going through. If HE doesn't remove the trial HE will carry me through it. Such a powerful message.
My only gripe is that the book would have been much shorter as some chapters felt redundant. Definitely a 10/10 recommend despite this.
This book has challenged me to really dig deep and trust GOD in whatever trial I am going through. If HE doesn't remove the trial HE will carry me through it. Such a powerful message.
My only gripe is that the book would have been much shorter as some chapters felt redundant. Definitely a 10/10 recommend despite this.
July 31, 2026
Inspirerend, confronterend boek over alles enkel vreugde achten in beproevingen (Jakobus). De vragen over beproevingen en lijden die mensen liever vermijden worden hier belicht. Maar ook de hoop die God biedt en Zijn doel met deze beproevingen in dit leven. Dit boek gaat je aardig schuren. Na 70 procent van dit boek te lezen merkte ik dat het voor nu even goed is.
November 28, 2023
A good read. Took me a while to read it, but still a good read.
April 25, 2025
I typically love Elizabeth George's books and Bible studies - but this one only left me feeling awful about myself. I'm currently dealing with long term terminal chronic illnesses including a severe chronic pain condition for years - and she kept repeating ad nauseum the verse "Count it all joy when you go through various trials" in James - over, and over, and over, and over. Yes, but HOW? Her examples of her own trials frankly didn't sound as stressful as the ones I'm currently enduring and what so many people in my own life are enduring as well (other trials, but so bad it's breathtaking). I just don't think parroting "count it all joy" "count it all joy" over and over is going to help anyone suffering horribly. It made me feel so bad about myself and so guilty that despite my deep Christian faith I just cannot find it in me to feel "joyful" while in such physical agony. Hated this.
March 12, 2016
Profound
I really enjoyed this book and felt that it gave me solid biblical principles for getting through my trials. The readability was exceptional and the use of personal examples helpful as people make their way through various trials and tests.
I really enjoyed this book and felt that it gave me solid biblical principles for getting through my trials. The readability was exceptional and the use of personal examples helpful as people make their way through various trials and tests.
April 8, 2010
Reiteration of fact that we will have trials, but God is with us and we can choose our attitude about how we face them.
October 1, 2026
Previously I've really appreciated Elizabeth George books, so I was surprised to be disappointed by this one.
1) It is repetitive. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego got a paragraph or more at least 4 separate times. Ideas kept being repeated again in later chapters. The verse headers for 3 chapters in a row were different versions of 1 Corinthians 10:13. I kept having the feeling of "Not again!"
2) She seems to believe that any trial the only appropriate response is to make no effort to ameliorate the situation. This is a common theme through much of the book. You are allowed to ask other Christians for help, but it comes across as if any effort to eliminate some of the difficulty is wrong. So if you are a busy woman, and then add an elderly parent needing constant caregiving, plus a need to take on a part-time job to help finances, and so are swamped, you shouldn't cancel any previous plans or commitments or reduce housekeeping expectations because God wants you to take on as much suffering as is possible. No possibility is mentioned of seeking God and seeing how to prioritize, you must do it all!
"Tiredness is never an excuse. In fact, it's a test. If tiredness is our excuse, We have failed the test, and we'll have to go right back into the Refiner's fire (Zechariah 13:9). We must deal with this weakness. We must purge it from our lives. Stable women don't give into tiredness. Instead they fight it. They remain constant and keep on keeping on...no matter what."
Many women have a tendency to let themselves be buried by too much and sleep 5 hours a night and so not be able to do a good job at high-priority tasks. There can be a godly place for prioritizing, even in times of trial.
3) She does not understand chronic illness/fatigue which many suffer from. Those of us who do not recover with sleep. We can push and push through and borrow from future energy and end up bedbound when our body demands rest. In the end, ignoring tiredness makes things worse and less is done. She comes across in this section as prideful which I am assuming was a poor choice of words rather than her heart attitude. But in all her years of speaking at events, she has never cancelled due to fatigue or illness! I get the impression she has been blessed with very good health and energy. And I am used to chronic illness not being understood, but she brought me almost to tears.
There was some good in this book, but sadly it is mixed with a lot that I feel is likely to add to women's burdens. I cannot recommend this book, and I would not choose to read it again.
1) It is repetitive. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego got a paragraph or more at least 4 separate times. Ideas kept being repeated again in later chapters. The verse headers for 3 chapters in a row were different versions of 1 Corinthians 10:13. I kept having the feeling of "Not again!"
2) She seems to believe that any trial the only appropriate response is to make no effort to ameliorate the situation. This is a common theme through much of the book. You are allowed to ask other Christians for help, but it comes across as if any effort to eliminate some of the difficulty is wrong. So if you are a busy woman, and then add an elderly parent needing constant caregiving, plus a need to take on a part-time job to help finances, and so are swamped, you shouldn't cancel any previous plans or commitments or reduce housekeeping expectations because God wants you to take on as much suffering as is possible. No possibility is mentioned of seeking God and seeing how to prioritize, you must do it all!
"Tiredness is never an excuse. In fact, it's a test. If tiredness is our excuse, We have failed the test, and we'll have to go right back into the Refiner's fire (Zechariah 13:9). We must deal with this weakness. We must purge it from our lives. Stable women don't give into tiredness. Instead they fight it. They remain constant and keep on keeping on...no matter what."
Many women have a tendency to let themselves be buried by too much and sleep 5 hours a night and so not be able to do a good job at high-priority tasks. There can be a godly place for prioritizing, even in times of trial.
3) She does not understand chronic illness/fatigue which many suffer from. Those of us who do not recover with sleep. We can push and push through and borrow from future energy and end up bedbound when our body demands rest. In the end, ignoring tiredness makes things worse and less is done. She comes across in this section as prideful which I am assuming was a poor choice of words rather than her heart attitude. But in all her years of speaking at events, she has never cancelled due to fatigue or illness! I get the impression she has been blessed with very good health and energy. And I am used to chronic illness not being understood, but she brought me almost to tears.
There was some good in this book, but sadly it is mixed with a lot that I feel is likely to add to women's burdens. I cannot recommend this book, and I would not choose to read it again.
February 6, 2020
This book was helpful. Really thought provoking about chosing joy and having a good focus during trials. I have a feeling I will be reading or at least referencing this book again in the future.
Only thing that was unfortunate is the use of many different Bible version. Would have been better if only KJV was used.
Only thing that was unfortunate is the use of many different Bible version. Would have been better if only KJV was used.
June 10, 2018
Definitely very encouraging. Some things might have been simplified too much and the end was very repetitive, but I appreciated the hope that she spoke to all who are suffering and turned our perspective on God, who won't give us more than we can handle.
August 13, 2022
We're reading this in our Ladies Bible study group. It's an excellent study, although we have had some discussion about how realistic it is for our group. We're all senior ladies. Also, in light of Covid I would not recommend going to church when you're not feeling well. Better to stay home.
September 22, 2022
I've always really appreciated Elizabeth George's books (I own several) and this one was no exception. She comes at you with hard-hitting truths that many people won't appreciate. But I find her honesty and frankness refreshing.
March 2, 2025
Elizabeth George did a wonderful job encouraging this reader to remember God in my trials, which He intends for my growth. Look to Him, wait on Him, and let Him choose and direct my path THROUGH the trial.
March 2, 2020
I read this book about 8 years ago and found it really helpful and encouraging whilst going through a time of great difficulty.
One of my favourite books - EVER.
One of my favourite books - EVER.
April 23, 2022
used verses from book of James throughout book. I liked how she encouraged us to read stories of other Christians overcoming obstacles from inspiration of God's faithfulness
September 18, 2024
I have read many books by this author, and this was my favorite so far. Real, and full of scripture. Definitely recommend.
March 7, 2025
Author uses the book of James and 1 Corinthians and her own personal stories to help encourage you and strengthen you as you read through this devotional.
January 9, 2013
I know this is Elizabeth George, but that doesn't automatically make this a wow. I found it to be too pat-answery. And that may work for herself & others. Some parts, like where she focused on God's attributes, were solid though.
April 4, 2010
This really helped me put the situation surrounding my mother's illness in prospective.
November 6, 2010
I just finished this book and it is a great encouragment. She offers great advice in a loving and non judgemental manner. Easy to read and I will be reading it again as I really enjoyed it!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews