There are so many things in life that compete for our attention. Failure affects our minds and hearts as much as success—grief often as strongly as joy. Because of this, it’s important that as Christians we have a strong framework for thinking about all of the experiences we face in life; we need to know how to navigate trials as well as times of peace. Here are five truths from the Bible about trials in the life of a believer.

Trials Are an Invitation to Experience God’s Grace
One of the most comforting truths in Scripture is that Jesus understands our weaknesses. We serve a God who walked through the trials of life in a fallen world, and we find grace as we draw near to Him.

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” —Hebrews 4:15–16

Trials Identify Us with Christ
Jesus suffered, so we will suffer. It makes sense; His life was difficult because He was living in the world but was not of the world. The same is true for us, and that commonality is encouraging. We suffer because we are of Christ—because we belong to Him.

“Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” —2 Timothy 3:12

God’s Comfort Comes Through Our Trials
In our trials, we see God’s provision and care in a unique way. As we suffer through various situations and navigate different struggles, God’s Word comforts and sustains us. We see a special side of Him in our darkest moments.

“This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life.” —Psalm 119:50

Trials Give Us a Reason to Rejoice
We can rejoice knowing that trials are designed by God for our good. As His children, nothing that happens in our lives is ultimately for our harm. God tests, grows, and strengthens our faith through trials for one main reason—to give us more of Himself.

“In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” —1 Peter 1:6–7

Trials Grow Character
Trials test our faith and increase it as we see God’s work in holding us fast through the storm. We persevere, which develops our moral resolve, which then brings us hope and joy because we know we belong to the Lord.

“Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” —Romans 5:3–5

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