Chapter 10 Various Trials

Who of us doesn’t have a life filled with various kinds of trials? No one. Since God is in control, and yet we are all inundated with troubles that plague us, it would be wise to understand what God’s purpose is for our trials and tribulations. I believe that most Christians have no idea why God allows us to suffer. Without this key understanding, is it any wonder why so many Christians today are easily defeated in their lives?

We will learn in this chapter that there are many benefits that come from the various trials, which are often tests, especially because they are paramount to building our faith and endurance. Faith and endurance are the stuff that we will need each time we are called to finish the race set before us.

“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win” (1 Cor. 9:24). The way to win is to understand this race and why we are to “consider it joy” each and every time we encounter various trials knowing that when our faith is tested, it produces endurance to finish—and win!

The most important thing that we need to realize during our trials, tribulations, tests, and temptations is that God is in control! It is His hand that allows these trials to touch us or not to touch us. When He does allow it, He sends His grace and mercy, which enable us to endure it.

We know that no one can touch us without God allowing it—actually getting permission from God Himself. We see this in two places in the Bible: one, with Job, when twice God gives Satan permission to harm Job (see Job 1), and then again with Peter: “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat” (Luke 22:31).

We are in His Hand. “For I have taken all this to my heart and explain it that righteous men, wise men and their deeds are in the hand of God” (Eccl. 9:1). Though we try to get what we need and want from others, like justice, victory, right decisions or even someone to care about us—all that we receive comes directly from the Lord.

“Many seek the ruler's favor, but justice for man comes from the Lord” (Prov. 29:26).

“The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory belongs to the Lord” (Prov. 21:31).

“The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord” (Prov. 16:33).

“The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the Lord; He turns it wherever He wishes” (Prov. 21:1).

Temptations. The temptations that we experience, Scripture tells us, are common to man, yet God does provide a way of escape. “No temptation has overtaken you but that which 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, that you may be able to endure it” (1 Cor. 10:13). Make sure that you take careful note that “God’s way of escape” is not to be delivered from it, but instead to endure and to go through it.

Temptations are brought on by our own lusts. God cannot tempt us to do evil, but instead, it is our lusts that tempt us. “Let no one say when he is being tempted, ‘I am being tempted by God’; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust” (James 1:13). When we think of lust, we usually think of something sexual; however, the lust that the Bible refers to is greed for all things that feed our flesh, including getting our own way.

Repentance and salvation. “I now rejoice, not that you were made sorrowful, but that you were made sorrowful to the point of repentance; for you were made sorrowful according to the will of God, in order that you might not suffer loss in anything through us. For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation; but the sorrow of the world produces death” (2 Cor. 7:9). God will often allow us to be sorrowful in order to bring us to repentance. In addition, when we try to make the people in our lives sorry for what they have done, it will not bring true and genuine repentance. This goes for anyone who has hurt you.

Learning contentment. “Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. In every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need” (Phil. 4:11). Here we see yet another benefit to trials, so that we can learn contentment through the difficult circumstances that God allows. Contentment is not learned with a life of ease, but through a life of ongoing trials. This is the secret!

Learning obedience. Even Jesus learned obedience from His suffering. “Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered” (Heb. 5:8). If Jesus needed to learn obedience, so that He would obey God’s plan to endure the cross that led to our salvation; is it any wonder that we suffer since we are followers of Christ?

He will perfect us. “For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus” (Phil. 1:6). Once He has begun a good work in you or in someone you know and are praying for—He promises to complete it. This means that once He gets started you are not called to complete what He started. Just keep giving it, and them, to Him!

We are to be a comfort to others. “The 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 Cor. 1:3-4). We are not merely to accept God’s comfort when we suffer, but we are commanded to give that comfort to others, no matter what their affliction.

We need grace. “And He has said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.’ Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore, I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Cor. 12: 9–10). And how do we get the grace we need? We get grace only through humility:

“God hates the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6).

“For everyone who exalts himself shall be humbled, but he who humbles himself shall be exalted” (Luke 18:14).

“Blessed are the humble for they shall inherit the earth” (Matt. 5:5).

“A man’s pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor” (Prov. 29:23). Boasting about our weaknesses, confessing our faults and being humble will enable the Holy Spirit to dwell in us. This is the way that we will learn contentment, no matter what our circumstances.

Our Father's discipline. “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor faint when you are being reproved by Him; for those whom the Lord loves He disciplines and He scourges every son whom He receives. It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons. He disciplines us for our good, that we may share His holiness” (Heb. 12:5–10). Many times, our suffering is discipline from our Heavenly Father for disobeying one of His laws. This discipline is designed to help you to stay on the path of His abundant life, not to keep you from things that you want to do.

Discipline is a blessing. “As an example, brethren, of suffering and patience, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. Behold, we count those blessed who endured. You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord's dealings, that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful” (James 5:10). When we follow the example of the prophets in the Bible, it will help us to endure our adversity and find that abundant life that Jesus died to give us.

Permission for adversity. Once again, when you are in the midst of your trails or suffering the most comforting thing to remember is that Satan could not touch Job or Peter; therefore, he cannot touch us either without God's permission! “Then the Lord said to Satan, ‘Behold, all that he has is in your power, only do not put forth your hand on him’” (Job. 1:12). Not only did Satan need permission to sift Job, but as you can see, he was also given specific instructions on how he could touch him. And again, as I mentioned earlier, Satan also needed to ask permission to touch Peter. “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat . . .” (Luke 22:31).

Here is another bit of insight: Did you notice that Satan did not argue with God nor did he wrestle with Him? God is huge and powerful, and is in full control of what Satan can and cannot do. Therefore, you no longer need to focus on what the devil is doing all the time! Simply turn your eyes on the Lord and stay focused on Him whenever you suffer difficulties; even when those difficulties are brought on by your own sins.

Discipline begins with Christians. Why must discipline first begin with Christians? Discipline begins with Christians because sinful, disobedient Christians will never draw the lost to the Lord. Again, it is the “will of God” that we are put through sufferings, often as a way of discipline. Therefore, we need to allow ourselves to suffer (usually at the hands of another) by entrusting ourselves to God. “For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? Therefore, let those also who suffer according to the will of God entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right” (1 Pet. 4:17).

Discipline may be sorrowful. “All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness” (Heb. 12:11). Discipline is never joyful when you are in the midst of it. Yet, those who have been trained by His discipline know the rewards of righteousness—it brings incredible peace.

To receive a blessing. Yet, to really benefit from your trials, to the point of being blessed, you need to understand and practice this principle: “But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also” (Matt. 5:39). When evil is coming at us, we must never resist it. This is the biggest mistake that most Christians make in adversity—they respond just like everyone else does, but not like Jesus did.

We must go beyond simply not resisting, we must “Not returning evil for evil, or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead, for you were called for the very purpose that you may inherit a blessing” (1 Pet. 3:9). Most Christians think they are doing the right thing by simply not returning an evil or an insult, but as a result, this falls short of their receiving a blessing.

To receive a blessing you must bless your enemy. “But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also. Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two” (Matt. 5:39–41). There is no better way to be blessed than to bless your enemy. With this principle, you can then see how this next verse is possible. “But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidations and do not be troubled” (1 Pet. 3:14).

When you learn this powerful principle of blessing your enemies, in order to receive the inherited blessing of God, then there is never anything at all to fear. This principle will set you free and be the foundation for a powerful and blessed life!!

The power of our faith. It is faith in the principle of blessing your enemy and trusting in God alone that opens the door to miracles. But you need to believe that He is able to do it and not doubt it in your heart. “And Jesus answered saying to them, ‘Have faith in God. Truly I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, be taken up and cast into the sea, and does not doubt it in his heart, but believes that what he says is going to happen, it shall be granted him. Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray, they shall be granted unto you’” (Mark 11:22–24). To help your faith, rehearse and remember what God has done for you in the past and stop focusing on whomever or whatever is coming against you now. Keep your eyes on Jesus! You and I both know that He is bigger than anyone or anything that is coming against you now or in the future.

God in His Word has told us that we will suffer. “For indeed when we were with you, we kept telling you in advance that we were going to suffer affliction; and so it came to pass, as you know. For this reason, when I could endure it no longer; I also sent to find out about your faith, for fear that the tempter might have tempted you, and our labor should be in vain” (1 Thess. 3:4–5). The key is not to give up! Just give the battle to the Lord; stop trying to fight it yourself.

With God. “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” (Matt. 19:26). “Looking upon them, Jesus said, ‘With men it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God’” (Mark 10:27). Nothing (NOT A THING!) is impossible with God. Work with God. And since He is not a respecter of persons, whatever He's done for others, He's going to do for you too!

What you speak. “. . . let us hold fast our confession” (Heb. 4:14). We need to consistently speak what God says in His Word, without wavering, with hope on our lips. “If it be so our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But even if He does not . . .” (Dan. 3:17). “But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account of the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence” (1 Pet. 3:15).

Never rush ahead with your testimony, but wait until you are asked to give an explanation of what you are going through or have gone through. Don’t worry, you will be asked, if you are filled with the joy of the Lord in the midst of your adversity! Then, when asked, be sure that you answer the other person with reverence, respect and gentleness. Never argue Scripture! That is why we have testimonies; no one can argue with what God has done or is doing for us!

Gird your mind and stay fixed. “Therefore, gird your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Pet. 1:13). The word “sober” means to be thinking clearly; therefore, clearly, in your mind, know how and why you are standing to avoid the consequences of double-mindedness. Don’t think and meditate about your problems, instead you should focus on God and His faithfulness. Leave the details of how to Him; all you need to know is Whom.

Be joyful. “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, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives it to all men without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea driven and tossed by the wind” (James 1:2–6).

We need to be joyful right in the very center of our trials (not just when they are over) because we know they are producing endurance that will enable us to finish the course set before us, and because joy in the midst of our trials will draw others to the Lord as they watch us. Now that we know and understand that much of our various trials are to increase and stretch our faith so that we may be used more in other people’s lives, we need never fear anything again.

And just so you know, fears and doubts come into everyone's minds—just don't entertain them! Instead, dismiss them by thinking about only good things and give your problems to Jesus.

“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” (Phil. 4:6, 7).

“Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you” (Phil. 4:6-9).

On the other hand, if you entertain the “what ifs” and you allow your mind to dwell on what you can do, you will begin to doubt, and your trials will become harder. And remember, we will have a variety of trials, some major and others mere irritations.

Some of us find that we easily endure the huge trials, but then we fall apart with the little ones. “Catch the foxes for us, the little foxes that are ruining the vineyards” (Song of Sol. 2:15). This means, don’t try to handle the small trials in your life, but instead, give everything to Him for “apart from Me you can do nothing.” “I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).

Rejoice. “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say rejoice! Let your forbearing spirit be known to all men, the Lord is near! 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, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good report, if there is any excellence or anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things; and the God of peace shall be with you” (Phil. 4:6–9).

Clearly, most battles are won or lost in our minds. That means that we must follow the Lord’s advice for peace in the midst of trials. Rejoice in what He is doing. Think on good things, speak of good things, and listen to only good things. Many times, it’s actually our close friends who call to tell us “stuff” that is going on that is not a “good report” and, usually, not lovely, pure or right; therefore, do yourself a favor and don't listen!

Faith is NOT seen. Your family or friends might call wanting to know how things are going when they know about the trials in your life. They are looking for signs of improvement. No matter how much we want to see things improve, we must remember that Scripture is very clear: faith is unseen! Answer their questions with, “God is working!” “Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For our momentary light affliction is producing for us a far more eternal weight in glory far beyond comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but the things which are not seen, for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal” (2 Cor. 4:16–18).

Not seen! When we are experiencing what Paul calls “light affliction,” it may still be breaking our hearts. So, when facing these heartbreaking situations, let’s remind ourselves of the most important truth: these afflictions are only momentary. “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things NOT seen” (Heb. 11:1). And, also, they are not only temporary but they are producing something wonderful for us—inherited blessings when we choose not to resist, but instead, bless our enemies. Remember, the suffering is temporary but the benefits and blessings will last an eternity—changing our lives forever!

Not by sight. Most people start believing when they begin to see something happening—but, again, this is not faith! “For we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Cor. 5:7).

Looking at our circumstances. Where we focus our attention is very important. When Peter looked at his circumstances, he sank, and you will too, if you look at your problems. “And He said ‘Come!’ And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, saying, ‘Lord save me!’ And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, ‘O you of little faith, why did you doubt?’” (Matt. 14:29). Once you turn your eyes away from your problems, by turning them over to Jesus, He will calm the storm in your heart and emotions.

For our testing. “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, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing” (James 1:2). Testing our faith is probably the most important lesson we need to focus on. The test of our faith is to simply believe His Word, and not be swayed by emotion or by false directions.

Keep the faith. Do not turn to another plan when things get tough. Do not compromise what you started off to do. Satan is known for bringing new (and wrong) solutions to our trials; this is our test. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith; henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness . . .” (2 Tim. 4:7).

Tested by fire. “In this you greatly rejoice, even though for a little while, if necessary you have been distressed by various trials, that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Pet. 1:6–7). So many have failed their tests and have continued to walk in the desert as the people of Israel did. And as this verse tells us the proof of our faith is more precious than gold.

Ask God for another woman who will stand with you. “Two are better than one for they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up. Furthermore, if two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone? And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three is not easily broken” (Eccl. 4:9–12). What you are going through might need the encouragement from another woman who will help you to continue to believe and not to bend from your beliefs. And since a “cord of three” is not easily broken, try to find two other women who will encourage you and keep you firm in the direction of your faith. Here are some examples of three-cords found in Scripture.

Moses, Aaron and Hur. “But Moses’ hands were heavy. Then they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it; and Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side and one on the other. Thus his hands were steady until the sun set” (Exod. 17:12).

And let’s not forget about those three youths, Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego in the book of Daniel Chapter 3, who were willing to be thrown into the fire because they stood on their convictions.

Paul, Luke and Timothy. When Paul was in prison, he had two men to help encourage him. When Demas left, Paul sent for Timothy. We are told that Demas left because the cares of the world choked the Word from him. The following verse tells us why: “And the one on whom seed was sown among the thorns, this is the man who hears the Word, and the worry of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches choke the Word and it becomes unfruitful” (Matt. 13:22). Scripture says specifically that it was because of “worry” and also because of “riches” that Demas walked away from his faith. So let’s all be careful not to worry about our circumstances or get caught up with money or possessions. We need to trust that “our God will supply all our needs” when you lose your job or it doesn't “look” like there will be enough money to pay your bills. Many have fallen from their faith because the Word was choked out. (For help with believing God for your finances, read our book Poverty Mentality, available for free on our website www.EncouragingWomen.org.)

Ask God for guidance through your trials. “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.” (Prov. 3:5–7). Let each of us call on Him for strength and draw close to Him in our time of need. Let us allow Him to discipline us, try us, and test us. Let us rejoice always in all things, not just the good things, but also in the troubles that come our way. Let each of us keep our hope close to our lips and stay steadfast in our minds. Let us always remember that it is His will that we face these hard times and that they are for our good!

“Let us rejoice that He considers us worthy to suffer for His name!”
—Acts 5:41

“She [the Proverbs woman] smiles at the future.”
—Proverbs 31:25

“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.”
—Romans 8:28

Personal commitment to consider it all JOY when I encounter various trials. “Based on what I have just learned from God’s Word, I surrender my life to the Lord to allow the testing of my faith to help produce endurance. It is my desire to let endurance have its perfect result, that I may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”

Here are Scripture verses to run to during your various trials:

God is in control, not man and not Satan:

Justice is from the Lord. (Prov. 29:26).

An answer is from the Lord. (Prov. 16:1).

The Lord turns the heart. (Prov. 21:1).

Their deeds are in God's hand. (Eccl. 9:1).

Thou (God) has done it. (Ps. 44:9–15).

He (God) raised the storm. (Ps. 107:1–32).

He (God) removed lover and friend. (Ps. 88:8, 18).

What do our trials do for us?

So the power of Christ will dwell in us. (2 Cor. 12:9–10).

So we will learn to be content. (Phil. 4:9).

So we will receive a reward. (2 Tim 4:7–8).

So we lack nothing. (James 1:2–4).

To enable us to comfort others. (2 Cor 1:3–4).

To perfect what He started in us. (Phil. 1:6–13).

To have our loved one back. (Phlm. 1:15–16).

To receive mercy. (Heb. 4:15).

To learn obedience. (Heb. 5:7–8).

To produce endurance. (James 1:2–4).

To receive the crown of life. (James 1:12).

To prove our faith. (1 Pet. 1:6–7).

To follow in His steps. (1 Pet. 2:21).

To share in His sufferings. (1 Pet. 3:13).

To be perfect, confirmed, strengthened and established. (1 Pet. 5:10).

Please share this book with as many younger or older women you know or meet. We provide books for all ages, both men and women’s books, on our websites because our goal is to see lives changed by the power of His Word and through a deep, intimate relationship with the Lord.