Trials and hardships are an inevitable part of life that every person will encounter. As followers of Christ, how are we to respond to the trials we face in a way that honors God and helps us grow in faith? By exploring what the Bible teaches about trials, we can gain wisdom, perspective and hope to endure life’s hardships.
God uses trials for our good
One of the most important truths Scripture reveals about trials is that God can use them for our good and His glory. Romans 8:28 tells us, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” While trials are often painful and confusing in the moment, God promises to use them to make us more like Christ and bring about His perfect will. God may use trials to draw us closer to Himself, strengthen our faith, refine our character, humble us, teach us to trust Him more, and equip us to minister to others.
James 1:2-4 instructs, “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.” Rather than seeing trials as a punishment or reason to doubt God’s goodness, we can view them as opportunities to grow in godly qualities that make our faith mature and fruitful.
God comforts us in trials
While it may seem like God is distant when we’re suffering, He promises to be near to provide comfort and strength. The apostle Paul wrote, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).
We have the Holy Spirit dwelling within us as believers to bring supernatural comfort, peace and hope. Jesus told His disciples, “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever” (John 14:16). God also comforts us through His word, the Bible promises, “This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life” (Psalm 119:50).
God equips us to endure trials
We never face trials alone as Christians. God promises to equip us with spiritual armor and strength to withstand hardship and persecution. Ephesians 6:10-13 describes the armor God gives us: truth, righteousness, readiness from the gospel of peace, faith, salvation and the word of God. We can boldly endure affliction knowing God is with us.
God also provides physical resources to sustain us through difficulties. The book of Hebrews says, “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ So we can confidently say, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?’” (Hebrews 13:5-6).
God sets limits on trials
While God uses trials for good purposes, He sets boundaries on what He allows us to face. 1 Corinthians 10:13 promises, “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.” We can take confidence knowing every trial has a purpose, end point and open door for God’s power.
In the story of Job, after allowing Satan to test Job, God set a limit on his affliction, saying “He is in your hand; only spare his life” (Job 2:6). Job later said, “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21), recognizing God’s sovereign hand at work in his suffering. No trial lasts forever, as God promises eternal life free from pain.
Trials develop godly character
One good purpose God has for allowing trials is to shape our character and make us more like Jesus. Romans 5:3-5 says, “We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope.” Times of hardship refine virtues like patience, humility, gentleness, courage and dependence on God.
James 1:2-4 explains it this way: “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.” Rather than complaining, we can view trials as opportunities for spiritual growth.
God rewards those who endure trials
Along with spiritual blessings, God blesses those who faithfully endure trials. James says, “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him” (James 1:12). Revelation also promises rewards from the tree of life, freedom from second death, a new name, authority to rule, and eternal blessings to those who overcome affliction (Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 26-28).
Jesus pronounced special blessings on those who suffer for His sake: “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:10). Our present trials produce an eternal reward and glory far beyond any suffering (2 Corinthians 4:17-18).
Examples of righteous people who endured trials
Many heroes of the Christian faith persevered through immense trials with God’s help. Their examples both inspire and teach us to trust God through difficulty.
Joseph – After being sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph endured false accusations and imprisonment before God raised him up to save nations from famine (Genesis 37-50).
David – Although continually pursued by King Saul seeking to kill him, David spared Saul’s life and waited for God’s timing to make him king of Israel (1 Samuel 24).
Job – After losing all his possessions, children and health, Job responded, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD” (Job 1:21).
Daniel – Thrown into a lions’ den for praying to God, Daniel was miraculously protected and presented as blameless before King Darius (Daniel 6).
Paul – Beaten, stoned, shipwrecked, imprisoned and persecuted for preaching the gospel, Paul stated, “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content” (Philippians 4:11).
Jesus – Prior to willingly giving His life for our salvation, Jesus endured temptation, rejection, betrayal and a brutal scourging and crucifixion (Matthew 27).
Biblical examples of trials
Here are some examples of the various types of trials believers endured in the Bible:
– Persecution – Peter and John were imprisoned and flogged for preaching about Jesus (Acts 5:17-42).
– False accusation – Potiphar’s wife falsely accused Joseph of sin when he fled from her temptation (Genesis 39:6-20).
– Financial hardship – A poor widow donated her last two coins to the temple treasury out of faith (Mark 12:41-44).
– Health problems – Job was afflicted with painful sores covering his entire body (Job 2:7-8).
– Bereavement – Jesus wept with Mary and Martha after their brother Lazarus died (John 11:1-37).
– Barrenness – God closed Hannah’s womb until she poured out her grief in prayer (1 Samuel 1).
– Temptation – Jesus was tempted by Satan to sin during His 40 days of fasting (Matthew 4:1-11).
– Betrayal – Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss after being His disciple for years (Luke 22:47-48).
Biblical principles for enduring hardship
Along with providing encouragement, Scripture gives wisdom for persevering through trials in a Christ-honoring way:
– Seek God’s strength and help through prayer (Hebrews 4:16).
– Trust in God’s sovereignty, wisdom and loving purpose (Romans 8:28).
– Wait patiently on God’s timing and will (Psalm 27:14).
– Look to eternal hope beyond our earthly troubles (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).
– Rejoice and give thanks in the midst of trials (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).
– Let trials humble us and reveal sin we need to confess (Psalm 139:23-24).
– Use trials to minister and comfort others in need (2 Corinthians 1:3-7).
– Remain spiritually awake and alert in adversity (1 Peter 5:8-9).
– Grow in godly virtues like endurance and patience (James 1:2-4).
How Jesus endured suffering
As the Son of God, Jesus endured greater trials and suffering than anyone. Looking to His example gives us a model for persevering:
– Jesus trusted the Father and submitted to His will (Mark 14:36).
– He focused on eternal reward and joy set before Him (Hebrews 12:2).
– Jesus prayed intensely in hard times (Matthew 26:36-46).
– He loved and forgave His enemies (Luke 23:34).
– Jesus looked to God’s Word and promises for strength (Psalm 119:50).
– He was motivated by God’s glory and our salvation (John 12:27-28).
– Jesus patiently endured crosses prepared for Him (Hebrews 12:2).
Conclusion
Going through trials is never easy or pleasant. However, God promises purpose and good in all our afflictions as believers. He offers real help and hope to those who trust Him and seek His strength when hardships come. By understanding biblical principles about enduring trials, we can develop perseverance, character and confidence in Christ that equips us to walk faithfully with God all the days of our life, regardless of circumstances.