How to Overcome Trials in Life
By: Katherine Brey
There aren’t many things in life that are certain. However, trials are a certainty. They are unavoidable and unpredictable. It isn’t a question of IF . . . but of when, where, and how.
Trials come in all shapes and sizes, singular or multiple.
You may have heard the saying, “Waiting for the other shoe to drop,” indicating that someone is anticipating their subsequent trial.
At one point or another, while walking through our adversity, we are bound to ask why. Yet, what we may not ask is whether a trial is necessary.
Some of our trials are self-inflicted through careless living, bad choices, or an opened door to sin. On the other hand, some difficulties happen to us due to another’s poor decision, i.e., hurt people hurt people.
We live in a fallen world, so it shouldn’t shock us when we encounter trouble.
The Bible itself prepares us for it. In verse 33 of John 16, Jesus is sharing with his disciples-
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (NIV)
If God did not spare his first begotten son from trouble here on earth, the chances that we will face trials are at 100%.
Now that the probability of trouble is clear, the next question may be how do we trust amid the obstacles?
The Bible addresses that topic also.
How Do You Trust When Bad Things Happen?
Trials have a way of shaping our character. Much like the refiner’s fire, God may use a trial to refine the heart, burning away impurities till all that remains reflects the image of Christ.
In short, trials sift us.
Trials can be revelatory in bringing to light what thoughts and motives lurk in the shadows. The unpleasantness of trials doesn’t compare to a life left to its devices.
Trials test the inner workings of the soul, bringing to the surface the unclean and leaving the beauty of a life that mirrors Christ.
There’s a saying that goes,
“God must sift before he shifts.”
Most of us are in love with the mountaintop experiences. However, the joy of the panoramic views of the mountain is made possible by walking through the “valley of the shadow of death.”
One is dependent on the other, and the reality is that we will walk through many more valleys of trials with a few pauses on mountain peaks.
Why is that?
God is more concerned with our character than our comfort.
So, if trials are certain, necessary, and unavoidable, how are we expected to trust when it all goes south?
As with much of the Christian journey, our response should be one of faith.
Faith isn’t a magic wand meant to be waved, or a rubbing of a genie’s bottle to get the desired outcome. Faith is placing trust not in the object or the “problem”, but faith is believing in the problem-solver: God.
For many, faith becomes fractured, shaken, or lost entirely because the hope we have remains that the bad will turn into our kind of “good”.
In the definition of faith, the evidence in what we hope for is translated as the evidence we want to see.
The healing takes place, the finances are restored, the job loss turns to job gain, and so on. That’s the evidence we all desire and place our faith in, but simply perusing the Hall of Faith Famers in Hebrews 11, the evidence given by those who have gone before us is that most didn’t witness the evidence they hoped.
However, the gain they received was a richness in God, a resilient hope that never wavered from the One who is worthy to be trusted.
What is the Purpose of Trials in Our Life?
During the trials, it is difficult to comprehend their purpose or the usefulness of them.
Yet, as we abide and rest in God, there is always an assurance that tribulations and life crises are never wasted.
Laid throughout the Scriptures, there are countless examples of heroes of the faith who experienced the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. God’s hand weaving a magnificent tapestry of his goodness, his glory, and his power revealed through the everyday lives of people like you and me.
The Apostle James, no stranger to the hardships in life, expresses a deeper insight into what purpose a hardship may bring.
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. -James 1:2-4 ESV
It’s interesting imagery when he uses the words, “count it all joy”.
For most, that picture can’t be further from the truth. Joy is nowhere to be found when walking through the discomforts of life.
The allusion James references is the expectation gained at the end of it all.
We become short-sighted in our trial journey, and we often miss the objective.
We can miss the glory found only in the finish line.
It’s been said by many long-distance marathon runners that the hardest miles to run are around miles 18-23. The miles when the race is in full swing, the starting line is nowhere in sight, and neither is the finish line.
Same for those walking through difficult seasons, when the end seems nowhere on the horizon that’s when the digging deep must kick in. It’s in the solitary moments of deep despair where the shaping of character is taking place.
A place of discomfort, of pain, of sorrow, of grieving, and yet if we are still, we find God in its midst.
The purpose of trials is to sharpen our character which more readily occurs in the refiner’s fire, the potter’s hand, or the sifting process.
God loves us too much to leave us as we are, so he uses trials to cleanse and build our faith. The enemy of our soul convinces us that God is absent during our suffering when, in fact, God is never nearer to his children. He promises us that nothing can separate us from his love as we read in Romans 8:38-39 (ESV):
For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
How Do You Respond to Trials in Life?
Many worship songs include the following lyrics, “Jesus, we want to be more like you.”
The irony is that to be more like Christ means we must be willing to share in his suffering.
I Peter 4:12-13 (ESV) explains-
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.
The clear illustration of responding to a trial, a crisis, or a loss is our Savior Jesus’ response when tempted in the wilderness.
Before we consider his reply to the tempter let’s not skip the small detail of how he landed there.
Let’s look at Matthew 4:1-
Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.
Such a critical element we can easily skip and instead focus on the later part of the chapter. Trials and tribulations come via a slew of avenues: personal sin, others’ sin, or they can even be God-orchestrated.
No mistakes or coincidences are in the Bible, the purpose of Jesus being sent to the wilderness by the Spirit to resist temptation is to expose the tactics of the enemy in our hour of need. Also, significant is the appearance of the devil coming after the forty days and forty nights when Jesus was hungry.
The Son of God responded to his trial by remaining steadfast in the written Word of God. How the heavens must have roared when the Living Word (John 1) quoted the written word to the deceiver whose sole purpose was to destroy the plan of God for Jesus’ life.
Our response should be the same, we are to stand on the sword of truth which never changes. Its purpose is to be a lamp unto our feet and a light to our path.
Trials will play a necessary part in helping Christ increase, and self decrease.
Now that we have established the role of trials, how can a believer overcome them?
How to Overcome Trials in Life in 6 Simple Ways
Recognizing who is on our side is the greatest blessing when overcoming a trial in a believer’s life. We believe that as sons and daughters of the living God, we have a defense, for God is our defender (Psalm 62:5-7 GNT).
We have strength, for God is our strong tower, and we have shelter, for God is our refuge (Proverbs 18:10, Psalm 46:1-3 GNT).
The best resource is that we are attached to the Vine, and as the branches, we gain sustenance from the Giver of life.
Marred by challenge, not his own doing, Joseph exemplified a life marked and transformed by tribulation. He was doted on by his father and despised by his brothers but favored by God.
As a young man, some may argue that the son with a coat of many colors was proud or cocky. Yet, the Bible doesn’t allude to that but does mention the strategic orchestration of Joseph’s journey despite his trials.
A vessel used mightily by God to save his beloved people. Psalm 105:17-22 (NLT) gives us insight into Joseph’s plight:
“Then he sent someone to Egypt ahead of them—Joseph, who was sold as a slave. They bruised his feet with fetters and placed his neck in an iron collar. Until the time came to fulfill his dreams, the Lord tested Joseph’s character. Then Pharaoh sent for him and set him free; the ruler of the nation opened his prison door. Joseph was put in charge of all the king’s household; he became ruler over all the king’s possessions. He could instruct the king’s aides as he pleased and teach the king’s advisers.”
We see no complaint or bitterness as God promoted him from the pit to the palace. Joseph persevered through the hardships with an honorable character.
Ultimately, Joseph understood that as a servant of God, there was a purpose behind his suffering, which he shares with his brothers at their reunion in Genesis 45:7 (NLT)-
God has sent me ahead of you to keep you and your families alive and to preserve many survivors.
Looking to Joseph’s example, we overcome our trials by:
1) Guarding The Heart.
It is easier said than done, but not impossible, to not allow our experiences to harden our hearts.
When we realize that, as Christ’s followers, there is a purpose to our pain and heartache, protecting our hearts from becoming calloused is a priority.
2) Putting On the Armor of God.
Paul’s inclusion of the armor of God in Ephesians 6 is no mistake, which explains its significance in the life of a believer. We arm ourselves to ” stand against the wiles of the devil.”
The enemy of our soul is out to kill, steal, and destroy.
Whether it’s our health, hope, joy, or dreams, it makes no difference. His objective is not to see us live as witnesses for Christ.
How better to distract than through trials and tribulations?
Our armor is a weapon of defense and offense. And it’s crucial in the life of an overcomer.
3) Being Okay Even If God Doesn’t Fix it.
Who doesn’t love a good rescue? There will be times as we walk out our hardships when a rescue is not imminent, but we must press through.
A story of commitment and resolve involved the three Hebrew companions thrown in the fiery furnace after failing to bow before the golden idol.
Daniel 3 shares the terrifying ordeal. Even with the threat of being burned alive, they expressed their confidence that God was able to deliver them, but even IF He didn’t, they still would not obey.
This encounter showed that their trust remained in God, not in their difficult circumstances. They understood that they might not be delivered, but that did not indicate God’s abandonment; it just meant God had other plans.
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s declaration was their acceptance of the Sovereignty of God.
4) Be Joyful.
This is another truth that may be more difficult to practice than others but it’s still equally vital. We aren’t speaking of happiness, as it differs from joy in that happiness is a more fleeting or temporary emotion.
The apostle James suggests that we “count it all joy, my brothers when you meet trials of various kinds” (James 1:2).
How can we count all joy when the pain and sorrow are so great?
We must shift our focus. Our perspective is viewing our affliction through God’s lens and knowing he is working things out.
Joy comes from surrendering our hopeless situation to a hopeful God.
We can rest assured that despite the grief we may be experiencing with Christ at the helm, joy comes in the morning.
5) Phone a Friend.
Trials have a way of driving us into isolation. While researching shepherds and sheep, an interesting fact emerged. One of the most dangerous places for a sheep is to become isolated from the herd.
The vulnerability factor increases and the lonely lamb becomes more susceptible to predators and precarious surroundings.
It is no coincidence that God often compares us to sheep, which begs the question: If isolation is detrimental to this wooly creature, how much more concerning is it for us?
A modern-day shepherdess pointed out a thought-provoking opinion involving the rod and staff. Ancient shepherds used the rod and staff as both a means of correction and direction. A benefit that is not privy to today’s sheep is that they are reared in pens and have no exposure to those antique tools.
The shepherdess noted that present-day sheep tend to be less trusting of their shepherds since the rod and staff created an intimacy between man and beast. We were designed not only to be in communion with God but with others, too.
In combating the pull toward isolation, it is imperative to phone a trusted friend, pastor, or counselor to get help when the going gets tough.
6) Prayer.
Last but certainly not least, we need to pray. The Bible tells us that our prayers are a sweet fragrance to the Lord, are continually before him, and praying should occur without ceasing.
Prayer is the gateway to hope, faith, and love that bridges the gap when life throws us curveballs. We receive numerous benefits from praying to a God who sees and knows us.
Praying offers comfort, peace, and guidance when we don’t know what to do or where to turn.
5 Bible Verses to Overcome Afflictions
“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” -Romans 12:12 ESV
“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 ESV
“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” -1 Peter 5:10 ESV
“Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance.” -Romans 5:3 ESV
“Do not be anxious about anything, 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 understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” -Philippians 4:6-7 ESV
Facing the Giants of Trials and Hardships
We all love feel-good stories and movies. Watching with anticipation of the conclusion when the good guy or girl is vindicated, and they live happily ever after.
If we stop to process it all, what we are viewing is the idea of overcoming or conquering. But the ending is only as good as what happens in the middle.
Like the marathon runners mentioned earlier, the middle is the 18–23-mile section of the race when the muscles are seizing, the thirst is at its peak, and the road seems endless. It’s when we all root that the main character doesn’t quit, and we shout at our screens that the end is just around the corner.
The same tenacity we have for a fictional character, God wants us to have for ourselves. The guttural roar from within that we won’t give up, and we won’t give in even if the ending isn’t what we are hoping for.
We as believers have a better ending to look forward to.
Through Jesus who paved the way, we have an eternity of love, joy, peace, and abundance yet to be revealed.
In the words of C.S. Lewis,
“If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we were made for another world.”
Our afflictions of the here and now are no comparison to the gift of eternity we gain if we endure. Jesus walked the walk and talked the talk; he demonstrated that the sufferings of this world are temporal.
Our focus must be on the eternal . . . on the life that is to come.
Adopting a lifestyle of gratitude and contentment that the difficult season will eventually end means we find ourselves living from a place of conquering and not just existing.
Recently, I heard the testimony of a man plagued by chronic illness. Despite the complexity of his conditions, his daughter described him as the calmest or most peaceful man she knew.
When asked how he gets through his health crisis on a daily basis, his response moved me to tears.
He said, “I may never be physically healed on this side of eternity, but I am confident that I am being spiritually held here.”
So are you, friend!
Trials are necessary; they serve a purpose, and, with the application of practical principles, they can be overcome!
About the Author
Katherine Brey is the author of the devotional book, The Be-Attitude Devotional, a monthly journal helping women find greatness through the heart of Jesus. Her passion is to know Jesus and make him known. As a lover of Jesus, Katherine uses her social media outlets to share encouraging and inspirational posts. Connect with her on Facebook or Instagram.
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