In the midst of what we see as the final days, trials are unavoidable. These difficulties play a role in refining us and nurturing our spiritual growth.
Despite their frequency and severity, God reminds us to hold onto our faith and happiness in Him.
The Bible offers guidance on handling trials, showing that God understands our hardships and aims to empower us.
Bible verses about trials
James 1:2-4
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Another relieving fact about trials is that it is never forever. It is meant to be only for a temporary short time.
1 Peter 1:6
In all this, you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.
One important way to get through trying periods is to pray constantly.
Romans 12:12
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
In the words of Jesus, we should expect trials. They are supposed to come, but we have to be peaceful when they do. The main reason is that Jesus died on the cross for us. He took away all our past, present and future sins.
John 16:33
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
One thing that can sustain us in this hard time is to absolutely trust in God. The error we all make is to try to resolve everything with our physical methods and mental analysis. We cannot resolve anything with our human knowledge.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
God knows all the challenges we face will surprise us. No one deliberately plans for these, but they sometimes happen in the least expected times.
1 Peter 4:12-1312
Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.13 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.
Why should we go through trials?
This question is on the lips of everyone. This is mainly because no one wants to face challenges. Did you know trials are blessings?
There is a special crown of glory for our work on earth in heaven. The only way we will receive it, is based on how we respond to trials now.
James 1:12
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
God has prepared a greater future in eternity, far beyond what we see here now. What a privilege!
Romans 8:18
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.
A trial is a test to confirm how we trust God. If we really know and love him, we will understand that our hard times don’t change Him. He has been good and will always be good to us, regardless of how the devil tries to tempt us to deny our sonship.
Also, if we know with a strong conviction that God has a plan for our lives, we will not be worried about any situation.
Romans 8:28
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
One major reason we shouldn’t be upset when trials come is, God is the mighty restorer. He knows how to transform every situation in our lives and make us enter his glory if we believe in him.
1 Peter 5:10
And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
People usually say you are not the first person or the last person to go through that situation. That saying is true. There is someone somewhere experiencing the same situation.
1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
How should we react to trials?
The best reaction is to praise God while in the trial. As hard as that can sound, it is only possible after you pray and thank God.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Rejoice always,
pray continually,
give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
The hardest thing to do in a hard time is to abandon our worry to God. But, that is what God expects of us.
Psalms 55:22
Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.
Many people allow anxiety and stress to get the better of them during trials. That can be hard to control, but it is possible to face those tough days without it. The main secret to do that is prayer.
Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
There are benefits to all the suffering. We will only develop certain virtues after we endure the trouble times.
Romans 5:3-5
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
Is there a purpose for the trials?
Is there a purpose for the trials?
If you know God very well, you will know that nothing just happens. There are no accidents with him. Everything on earth happens for a reason, and he is aware of the detail.
Genesis 50:20
You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.
Isaiah 55:8-9
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD.
“As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Romans 8:35
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?
Nothing can and should separate us from God. Regardless of how we feel about our current situations, God’s goodness and love are unconditional and unchanging. Bask in the love of God thankfully and prayerfully at all times-both sad and joyful.
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