For the believer, it is crucial to understand that following Christ does not mean you won’t face trials in your life. In fact, as you follow Jesus, you’ll probably have an increase of trials. From a worldly standpoint, that sounds like bad news, but if you look at trials from a Biblical perspective, you’ll see there are great opportunities that arise when these come into our lives.
No doubt you are more than likely going through a trial at this very moment. While I personally want to give you my empathy and compassion as much as I possibly can, I also want to encourage you that there is still something to rejoice over, even in the midst of your trial.
There is nothing you’re going through that is out of reach for God to work through and use for His glory. There’s nothing you’re going through that is shocking God in the process. There’s nothing you’re going through that Jesus didn’t already die and pay the price for.
Scripture teaches us not just how many trials we will experience as a sinful person in a sinful and broken world, but how to walk through them as a follower of Christ, giving us the true perspective on what a trial really is VS what our culture teaches us about them.
Here is what the Bible has to say with scripture on trials:
James 1:12 – Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
1 Peter 5:6-10 – Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world. After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.
Romans 12:10-13 – Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.
1 Corinthians 10:13 – No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.
John 16:13 – These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.
Philippians 4:6-7 – Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.
Romans 5:3-5 – And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Psalm 23:4 – Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
Romans 8:18 – For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.
1 Peter 4:12-13 – Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation.
Joshua 1:9 – Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Romans 8:28 – And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
James 1:2-8 – Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
What does the Bible have to say about other topics?
Feel free to add any additional Scripture to this topic by commenting below.
So glad I’ve found your site, have been in a struggle for my life the last three years through disease and still init. I’ve looked at lots of sites but your words and even the scripture that have seen many times before are suddenly alive to me. Thankyou so much
Awesome Tracey thanks so much for reading and for sharing! Love when God’s Word reaches us exactly where we’re at!
Just started reading you…like it a lot. Must tell you a story…believe me or not. A few months ago I was making our bed and felt like some one was in the bathroom behind me. As I started to turn I saw a person in a white robe, black hair and beard, with soft looking eyes. Saw him only briefly, walked into the bathroom, scared, and nothing there. To tell my life to you, would take a long time. Feel likeI am full inside, hope you understand. I am a Catholic and pray every day. Firmly belief faith is every… Read more »
Thanks for sharing Nelson!
Thanks for accepting my message. No idea why God sent me to your site. Glad that He did. I’ve come along way from an abuised child, from the sins I’ve committed, to a life with our Lord. Trials a plenty on a hard rough road. Seeing what your doing here, helps to keep my faith strong. Sadly, more so than the church I belong too. God does his will in many ways, few have the courage to show it and to live it. Thanks again for accepting my first message, even though it may be hard to believe. But, it… Read more »