What Does God Do In Your Trial?

Have you had financial challenges that defined your life? Perhaps excruciating back pain the week of a final exam brought discouragement. Supporting a family member through their addiction recovery brings weariness. Illnesses, divorce, or death touch your soul in deep places, and you may wonder what God is doing.

Is your list of trials forming in your mind right now, with bullet points in all caps?

Trials come in all time lengths and varying intensity. The Bible clearly teaches that everyone experiences good and bad in their lifetime. Matthew said it this way, “He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” Matthew 5:45

No sugar coating is needed; the Bible portrays suffering transparently, from Genesis to maps. Isaiah prophesied of our Lord’s journey as “acquainted with grief,” so why not us? In fact, He informs His followers that we would suffer. And yet, in His kindness, He provides Himself as the remedy for human suffering—first for the spiritually dead and then for His children in their sorrow.

“I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.” John 16:33

All Christians know intellectually the promise of Hebrews 13:5 that Jesus will never leave or forsake us. In context, we are challenged not to put our hope in stuff, but to put all our hope in Him because He is faithful.

Verses with such claims get tested in the hottest temperatures of life. The angry landlord and the coming eviction notice. Teenage rebellion. The medical test and outcome. Care for aging parents is a particular honor, but has its heart rending challenges. Whatever the trial, life hits hard.

Jesus invites us to come near. If we don’t let our hearts embrace bitterness, we will find Him the dearest companion and friend through it. Besides His fellowship, He gives gifts like perseverance, strength, power, and hope. While you plow through your trial, God is working and participating in it with you.

What does God do in your trial?

He listens – Every tear sliding down your face is seen. Every whimper of hopeless fear is heard.

“I complain and groan morning, noon, and night, and He hears my voice.”Psalm 55:17

He gives freedom – Freedom from debilitating fear. Freedom to choose to trust Him, and freedom to fix your thoughts on Him.

“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” 2 Corinthians 3:17

He shows compassion – Suffering makes us self-conscious. We become keenly aware of our powerlessness. In the face of enormous challenges, we shrink to our self-sufficiency, and Jesus is there.

“Just as a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him. For He Himself knows our frame; He is mindful that we are but dust.” Psalm 103:13-14

He prays – All our doubts and questions can leave us wondering how to pray. Whatever we bring before the Father, He hears.

“And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.” Romans 8:2

He gives grace—That looks like the Body of Christ ministering to you. Or a turn of events that brings relief. Or by His Spirit, surprising transformation in you.

But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

He gives strength – If we try to control the outcome then we get weary and burned out. Then we miss His joy and the promises in His Word.

“My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word. Psalm 119:28

God is kind. He desires an intimate relationship in your good and bad seasons. You can express anything to Him. His lovingkindness is amazing. If you come to Him as soon as trouble hits, your trust in Him will grow. As each day passes, He will get you through it. And hopefully, you will praise Him as He does.

You, God, are my God,
    earnestly I seek you;
I thirst for you,
    my whole being longs for you,
in a dry and parched land
    where there is no water.

Psalm 63:1

©Valerie Rumfelt