Trials are a part of life. Cars crash and jobs are lost every day; sicknesses spread; and relationship problems affect everyone on earth, at both the personal and societal levels. Open any news site, and it’s impossible to think otherwise: we live in a broken world. So what does the Bible have to say about how we think about trials?

Trials Have a Purpose
The Bible makes it clear that whatever trials we face, God is at work. He uses the difficulties of life to test and strengthen our faith. The trial itself is not a gift, but the faith is—and God uses trials as a means to grow our relationship with Him.

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” —James 1:2–4

Trials Are to Be Expected
We can expect to face hard times because we follow in the steps of Jesus, our Savior. He walked through trials in this life, and as His followers, we can know that we will face struggles as well—in the same way that we will share with Him in glory.

“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. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.” —1 Peter 4:12–13

Trials Are Temporary
Whatever we face in life, it will not last forever. The good times as well as the bad will eventually fade into insignificance as we step into an eternity of perfect communion with God.

“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” —Romans 8:18

God Will Deliver Us from Our Trials
When we think about trials, we can never forget that God promises to deliver us from each and every one. Whether that means the trial comes to an end in two days, two years, or when we get to heaven, He will bring us out of them all.

“Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.” —Psalm 34:19

We Never Face Trials Alone
God also promises us that in every trial we face, He will be with us. We have a friend in Jesus and a comforter in the Holy Spirit. This means that we never have to navigate any circumstances, especially our trials, by ourselves. Whatever the situation, we are never alone.

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.” —Isaiah 43:2

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