No one hopes for trials. We want peaceful, good times for ourselves and our loved ones, and we often pursue and reject opportunities based on how “happy” they’ll make us. God’s perspective is different. As Christians, we know that He causes everything to work for our good (Rom 8:28), but sometimes it’s difficult to remember that truth when we face hard times. Today, we’re looking at five things Scripture wants us to know about trials.

Trials Show Us Who We Are (And Who God Is)
Paul saw trials as proof of God’s work in his life. As he faced trials and persecution, knowing his own weakness, he saw God’s grace and power at work in an amazing way. God shows us our need for Him, as He guides us safely through life’s trials.

“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” —2 Corinthians 12:9–10

Trials Drive Us to Prayer
We have a responsibility as Christians to rejoice, pray, and give thanks in whatever situation we find ourselves. Scripture connects all of these actions with a personal relationship with God—we don’t have joy or thankfulness in the abstract. We exercise those attitudes in tandem with prayer, as we communicate personally with our heavenly Father.

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” —1 Thessalonians 5:16–18

Trials Test Our Patience
As we wonder how long our pain will last and when the darkness will lift, we are forced to exercise patience. We wait, believing that deliverance, hope, and peace come from God, even while we may not see an immediate end in sight.

“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” —Romans 12:12

We Can Be Honest About Our Trials
God doesn’t want us to ignore our pain or pretend the trials we face are actually some kind of gift. He invites us to say with the psalmist, “I am severely afflicted,” and to run to Him for healing, help, and life from His Word.

“I am severely afflicted; give me life, O Lord, according to your word!” —Psalm 119:107

Trials Don’t Change God’s Character
Many times, our distress in trials comes from wrong thinking. We disassociate our situation from God’s providence, thinking that our pain is not from God. However, the psalmist says something radically different—He acknowledges that his trials flow from God’s faithfulness, and that acknowledgment brings comfort. No matter how bad the trial, it is not outside God’s control. He is still good and faithful to us, regardless of our current struggles.

“I know, O Lord, that your rules are righteous, and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.” —Psalm 119:75

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