We live in a broken world, an environment corrupted by sin. For those following Jesus, he never promises we will escape dealing with struggle or corruption. He calls us to be in the world but not of it (John 17:14-16). Do be that testimony, a heavenly people on a sinful earth, we go through trials and tragedy. 

But God doesn’t waste pain or suffering. God’s purpose in trials isn’t to harm us but to strengthen our faith. Trials teach us how we can’t trust the temporary things of this world and how to trust the eternal God and his promises. Facing hardships, we have the opportunity to let go of the things we can’t count on and won’t save us. Instead, we lean on and cling to God and his character, his Word, and his love. As a refining, trying times expose our weaknesses, the unworthy things we trust in, and we can remove those faulty expectations to a greater one in Christ. This strengthens our faith. 

Strengthening our faith makes us more like God. Romans 8:29 declares how the Father chooses us “to be conformed to the image of his Son.” Transformation often happens through trial. 

At the same time, trying times also reveal the treasure within. Jesus himself, although perfect in every way, endured trials. He suffered rejection, racial slurs, betrayal, physical agony, and death, all even though he came to save and love. He revealed how suffering doesn’t mean God’s displeased with us, or doesn’t love us, but sometimes the quite the opposite. Hebrews 5:8 says Jesus “learned obedience through what he suffered.” If Jesus, the sinless Son of God, grew through suffering, then we followers can expect the same to serve a purpose. 

As these trials either strengthen or reveal our faith, or both at once, we become a testimony to others. People witness faith working when it’s difficult. Anyone can claim faith in amazing and abundant times. But when we remain faithful and find victory in trying times, people see faith and God’s love at its best. We draw others to the Father by acting like the Son by the Spirit through hard times.

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