Haiti is a troubled nation. The poorest country in the western hemisphere, its borders are home to every kind of political instability, from gang violence to child slavery. The Christians who live there face many difficulties, and our ministry efforts involve supporting these believers who navigate significant trials on a daily basis. For that reason, we’re looking today at five more truths about trials from the pages of Scripture.

Jesus Has Overcome the Trials of This World
The Bible makes it very clear who has the last word on suffering, trials, and tribulation. We know Jesus has conquered all of these things, and God wants us to remember that reality so that we “may have peace.” Knowing this truth lightens every burden we carry.

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” —John 16:33

Trials Sanctify Us
The New Testament consistently teaches that trials ultimately work for our good. We know from Romans 8:28 that is true of everything that happens, good or bad, but trials specifically have a sanctifying effect that brings us closer to Christ while making us more like Him in the process.

“For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” —2 Corinthians 4:17–18

We Can Face Future Trials Confidently
In Psalm 23, the psalmist rehearses every situation in life that God walks through with us. Trials are one of them, and when he comes to writing the fourth verse, the message is clear: we can face future trials, even the valley of the shadow of death, in confidence because God is our comfort.

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” —Psalm 23:4

No Trial Is Too Much for the Christian
As hard as life can be, God promises that He will never give us more than we can bear. Whatever trials may come, we can face every one of them because God will supply us the strength we need.

“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13

Trials Can Teach Us
Walking through the dark nights of life often causes us to press into the Lord. We often read Scripture and pray more when we are facing something hard; that experience is what the psalmist refers to in Psalm 119:71.

Trials teach us to know and love God’s Word.
It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes. Psalm 119:71

To learn how you can be praying with us for the ministry in Haiti, visit Prayer Requests.