The Life of Faith (Pt. 12) - Faith Through Trials
Over the course of our Faith series, we've learned that God has already prepared things for us, even if we can’t yet see them. Faith bridges the gap between God’s promises and our present reality—it’s the code to access our inheritance in Christ. We've also seen that faith is simply trust in God, and it must always align with His will. True faith is Christ-centered; if it’s not rooted in Jesus, it’s not faith at all.
As Christians, our trials—financial stress, job struggles, unanswered prayers etc.— Jesus told us to expect them. In John 16:33, He said we would have troubles, but also promised peace in Him because He has overcome the world. And because His Spirit lives in us, we too have overcome. No storm is too great, and no challenge is beyond Christ’s victory. We endure trials, but we do so with peace and power.
Sources of Trials
Trials can come from different sources. Sometimes, they’re the result of our own actions—like disobedience or poor choices. Jonah, for example, ran from God’s instructions and ended up in the belly of a fish. The Israelites also turned a 40-day journey into 40 years because of their disobedience.
Other times, trials come from the enemy. Scripture warns us in 1 Peter 5:8 that Satan prowls like a roaring lion, looking to devour. In Luke 22:31, Jesus told Peter that Satan sought to sift him like wheat—but He had prayed that Peter’s faith would not fail.
The good news is this: no matter the source, God can use every trial for our good. Romans 8:28 assures us that God causes all things to work together for those who love Him. Even in our failures, setbacks, or battles with the enemy—we still win. What looks like a loss to man is often God's setup for victory.
Types of Trials
A trial, simply put, is a test meant to prove something—whether it’s strength, skill, or in this case, faith. Just like physical strength is tested in competitions like the World’s Strongest Man, or academic ability is tested before moving to the next grade, our faith is also subject to testing.
In Matthew 15, Jesus commended a woman for her great faith when she persisted in seeking healing for her daughter, even after being seemingly turned away.
In contrast, in Matthew 14, when Peter began to sink while walking on water, Jesus said, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”
These examples show us that faith can be measured, and if it can be measured, it can also be built. Trials are one of the primary ways our faith is revealed and strengthened. Just like someone can’t claim to be a great driver without ever being tested or licensed, we can’t claim to have real faith if it hasn’t been tested. Trials give weight and proof to our profession of faith.
Why We Need Trials
For Refining
1 Peter 1:6–7 teaches us that trials are necessary to prove our faith is genuine. Just as gold is purified by fire, our faith is strengthened through testing. Each trial brings impurities to the surface and deepens our trust in God. Trials aren’t one-time events—they come repeatedly, but every time we endure, our faith grows stronger and more refined.
For Preparation
David’s victory over Goliath in 1 Samuel 17 was possible because he had already faced lions and bears. Those earlier trials prepared and strengthened his faith for the greater challenge ahead. Likewise, our current trials are not wasted—they are training grounds, building the faith and confidence we need for where God is taking us.
For Revelation
Trials allow us to experience God in ways we never would without them. In 1 Samuel 17:37, David confidently declared that God would rescue him from Goliath because He had already rescued him from the lion and the bear. That confidence came from experience. Similarly, when we’ve seen God show up in our own trials, our worship becomes real—rooted not just in words, but in personal revelation of who He is.
For Increased Faith
When we go through trials the right way, our expectation of God grows. Instead of shrinking back, like asking for less just to get by, we begin to believe for more. 1 Corinthians 2:9 reminds us that God has prepared things beyond what we can imagine. David’s past victories made him step forward to face Goliath—not with doubt, but with bold faith. Trials stretch our vision and keep us from limiting what God can do.
For Others
Trials equip us to strengthen others. When you've overcome something, your testimony carries weight. Like David facing Goliath for Israel or Joseph saving many through his suffering (Genesis 50:20), your victory can lift others. Someone’s faith may depend on you enduring well. Your trial isn’t just about you.
For Resistance
The enemy’s real goal in trials is to steal our faith—not just our job, peace, or opportunity. Like Job’s wife urging him to curse God, the enemy wants us to give up our trust in God. 1 Peter 5:8–9 reminds us to stay alert and stand firm in faith, knowing believers everywhere face similar battles. Trials train us to resist the devil and hold on to our confidence in Christ.
How To Face Trials
Every trial shifts something—you either come out with stronger faith or give the enemy ground. You won’t stay the same. So in the middle of your situation, you must decide: Will this grow my faith or weaken it? But this depends on how we respond.
Recall His faithfulness
David recalled the lion and the bear before facing Goliath. Do the same—write down what God has done for you in the past and revisit it often. It will remind you: If He did it before, He’ll do it again.
Know His character
You need this to build faith because you can’t trust someone you don’t know—and the same goes for God. 2 Timothy 2:13 reminds us that even when we're unfaithful, God remains faithful. The more time you spend with Him in Scripture and prayer, the more confident you become in His trustworthiness.
Know His will
It’s crucial to seek His will in every trial. Knowing it helps you respond correctly—whether to repent, resist the enemy, or endure the storm. You discover His will through Scripture and meditation, and His specific instructions will never contradict His Word.
Keep doing good
Trials are not an excuse to act out or shut down. Galatians 6:9 encourages us to do this even when it’s hard—because in due time, we’ll reap a harvest if we don’t give up. Joseph, while in prison, still noticed others’ pain and helped interpret their dreams (Genesis 40:6–7). That act of kindness became his doorway to the palace. Your breakthrough might come through simply being a blessing to someone else, even while you’re in the storm.
Trust in Christ alone
He is our firm foundation. If your trust is in anything else, it’s not true faith. But you can’t place your faith in Jesus without first surrendering to Him. In John 16:33, Jesus said He has already overcome the world, and in Him, we find peace—even in the storm. Every other foundation will fail, but Christ remains unshaken. Surrender is where real faith begins.