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What does the Bible say about trials?
Great question! Here's the answer:
The Bible says we should see trials as pure joy (James 1:2–4).
All of us will have trials. Trials are hard parts of life—times of loss, fear, pain, or confusion—that challenge our faith. We don't need to be disheartened by trials. Trials will help us to grow and strengthen our walk with God. When we are going through trials, we need to go to God in prayer and find comfort in the Bible.
The apostle Peter tells us, "Your troubles have come in order to prove that your faith is real. Your faith is worth more than gold. That's because gold can pass away even when fire has made it pure. Your faith is meant to bring praise, honor and glory to God. This will happen when Jesus Christ returns" (1 Peter 1:7). The trials in our life come to prove that our faith in Christ is real. Whenever you are distressed because of the trial you are facing, have hope because trials show that you belong to God.
The apostle Paul faced trials throughout his life, but they brought him closer to Jesus. Paul considered his present sufferings to be nothing compared to the glory that would be revealed in Christ (Romans 8:18). The trials we are going through are not for nothing. There is purpose to the trials, and they help us achieve spiritual growth and development.
Bible Truth
“My brothers and sisters, you will face all kinds of trouble. When you do, think of it as pure joy. Your faith will be tested. You know that when this happens it will produce in you the strength to continue. And you must allow this strength to finish its work. Then you will be all you should be. You will have everything you need” (James 1:2–4).
“Dear friends, don’t be surprised by the terrible things happening to you. The trouble you are having has come to test you. So don’t feel as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be joyful that you are taking part in Christ’s sufferings. Then you will have even more joy when Christ returns in glory” (1 Peter 4:12–13).
“Godly people cry out, and the Lord hears them. He saves them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to those whose hearts have been broken. He saves those whose spirits have been crushed” (Psalm 34:17–18).
