Trusting God Through the Trials

Life has a way of bringing seasons we never expected.

Moments where everything feels heavy. Prayers seem unanswered. Doors close. People leave. Finances struggle. Health changes. Dreams feel delayed.

And in those moments, one question often rises in our hearts:

“God, where are You?”

The truth is, trials have a way of testing not only our strength—but our trust.

Yet throughout Scripture, we see something powerful:God has never abandoned His people in the middle of hardship.

He was with Joseph in the pit. With David in the wilderness. With Daniel in the lions’ den. With Paul in prison. And He is still with us today.

Trials Do Not Mean God Has Left You

One of the biggest lies the enemy whispers during difficult seasons is: “If God loved you, you wouldn’t be going through this.”

But the Bible teaches the exact opposite.

Jesus Himself said:

“In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”— John 16:33 (NKJV)

Notice Jesus never promised a life without trouble. He promised His presence in the middle of it.

Sometimes we assume hardship means God is distant, when in reality, He may be doing some of His deepest work inside of us.

God Uses Trials to Grow Us

James writes something that can seem difficult at first:

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.”— James 1:2–3 (NKJV)

Why would we count trials as joy?

Not because suffering itself is enjoyable. Not because pain is easy.

But because God wastes nothing.

Even in suffering, He is producing something eternal inside of us.

Trials expose areas where fear still controls us. They reveal where our trust is shallow. They teach us dependence on God instead of dependence on ourselves.

And often, the greatest spiritual growth happens in seasons we would have never chosen.

Faith Is Not the Absence of Struggle

Many believers think strong faith means never feeling overwhelmed.

But faith is not pretending everything is okay.

Faith is choosing to trust God even when everything around you feels uncertain.

David cried. Elijah became exhausted. Job questioned. Paul admitted he felt pressed beyond strength.

Yet God still called them faithful.

Why?

Because faith is not perfection. Faith is continuing to look toward God in the middle of the storm.

God Is Near to the Brokenhearted

Sometimes trials leave us feeling isolated and unseen.

But Scripture reminds us:

“The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit.”— Psalm 34:18 (NKJV)

God is not only present in victory. He is present in grief. In confusion. In weakness. In the nights where tears fall and nobody else sees them.

Some of the deepest encounters people have with God happen in the middle of pain because suffering strips away distractions and reminds us how desperately we need Him.

Trusting God When You Cannot See the Outcome

Trust becomes real when we do not know how things will turn out.

Anyone can praise when the answer comes immediately.But trusting God when the future is unclear—that is where faith grows deeper.

Proverbs reminds us:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”— Proverbs 3:5–6 (NKJV)

Sometimes we do not understand why things happen the way they do.

But God sees what we cannot.

He sees the full picture. He sees the future. He sees what this season is producing inside of you.

And even when life feels chaotic, God remains faithful.

Your Trial Is Not Your Identity

What you are facing right now is not who you are.

Depression is not your identity. Failure is not your identity. Struggle is not your identity. Loss is not your identity.

Your identity is found in Christ.

Trials are seasons.They are not permanent destinations.

And while the storm may feel endless right now, God is still writing your story.

Romans 8:28 reminds us:

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”— Romans 8:28 (NKJV)

Not some things.All things.

Even the painful things.Even the confusing things.Even the things we would never choose ourselves.

God is able to bring purpose out of pain.

Keep Holding On

If you are in a difficult season right now, do not give up.

Keep praying.Keep trusting.Keep seeking God even when emotions tell you otherwise.

Sometimes faith looks less like standing on a mountaintop and more like simply refusing to let go of God in the valley.

You may not understand the season today.But one day you may look back and realize God was carrying you the entire time.

He is faithful in the waiting.Faithful in the struggle.Faithful in the storm.

And He will be faithful to carry you through this one too.

Pastor Scott