“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28
The Purpose of Trials
When challenges arise in our lives, it’s easy to question why God allows bad things to happen. We may find comfort in recognizing that God allows trials for a greater purpose, often to strengthen our faith or teach us valuable lessons. These experiences can prepare us for future blessings. We can trust that amidst our struggles, God is crafting a testimony that we can share with others. Through our difficulties, we learn resilience, compassion, and the power of prayer. Trials can illuminate our paths and help us to grow in spiritual maturity.
James 1:2-3
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” – James 1:2-3
Romans 5:3-4
“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” – Romans 5:3-4
Philippians 1:29
“For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him but also to suffer for him.” – Philippians 1:29
1 Peter 1:6-7
“In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” – 1 Peter 1:6-7
Hebrews 12:11
“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” – Hebrews 12:11
The Presence of Sin
Another reason we may face bad things is due to sin in the world. We live in a fallen world where sin affects everyone, leading to pain, suffering, and injustice. With this in mind, we sometimes experience the consequences of these actions, whether they are our own or those of others. God, however, offers us grace and strength to overcome these challenges. We can turn to Him in our moments of despair and, through repentance, seek His forgiveness and healing. Understanding that sin is present gives us a clearer picture of our need for faith and redemption.
Romans 3:23
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” – Romans 3:23
Genesis 3:16-19
“To the woman he said, ‘I will make your pains in childbearing very severe; with painful labor you will give birth to children. Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you.’ To Adam he said, ‘Because you listened to your wife and ate fruit from the tree about which I commanded you, “You must not eat from it,” cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat food from it all the days of your life.'” – Genesis 3:16-19
Galatians 6:7
“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.” – Galatians 6:7
Isaiah 24:5
“The earth is defiled by its people; they have disobeyed the laws, violated the statutes and broken the everlasting covenant.” – Isaiah 24:5
Ephesians 2:1-3
“As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.” – Ephesians 2:1-3
God’s Sovereignty
God’s sovereignty means He is ultimately in control over all things, even when bad things happen. Even in our darkest moments, we can find comfort in knowing that God remains on His throne. Things may happen that we cannot understand or explain, but God has a greater plan that may not be revealed to us right now. This is where our trust and faith in God become crucial. We hold onto the truth that He works all things for our good, leading us closer to Him through hardships and trials.
Isaiah 55:8-9
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” – Isaiah 55:8-9
Proverbs 19:21
“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” – Proverbs 19:21
Psalm 135:6
“The Lord does whatever pleases him, in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and all their depths.” – Psalm 135:6
Romans 11:33
“Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!” – Romans 11:33
Ephesians 1:11
“In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will.” – Ephesians 1:11
To Draw Us Closer
When we face struggles and challenges, it can motivate us to draw nearer to God. Sometimes we may forget to rely on Him during good times, but during trials, we are reminded of our need for support, comfort, and guidance. God allows hardships to bring us back to Him, to help us grow closer in our relationship with Him. These experiences, while difficult, serve as a call to prayer, worship, and trusting His promises in our lives.
James 4:8
“Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” – James 4:8
Psalm 34:18
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble…” – 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Romans 12:12
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” – Romans 12:12
Psalm 46:1
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” – Psalm 46:1
Strengthening Our Faith
God allows difficult times to help deepen and strengthen our faith. Through adversity, we can learn to lean on Him, trusting in His promises and guidance. Just like physical muscles grow stronger through resistance, our faith can grow stronger through challenges. We can see our trials as opportunities to build resilience and develop a steadfast spirit, keeping our eyes focused on Christ. Learning to rely on God through tough times makes us stronger believers, instilling hope and confidence in His sovereignty.
1 Peter 5:10
“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” – 1 Peter 5:10
2 Timothy 1:7
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” – 2 Timothy 1:7
Romans 15:13
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 15:13
Colossians 1:11
“Being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience.” – Colossians 1:11
Matthew 17:20
“He replied, ‘Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, “Move from here to there,” and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.'” – Matthew 17:20
Bringing Glory to God
Finally, we should acknowledge that our trials can serve a larger purpose of glorifying God. In our moments of struggle, others often observe how we respond to adversity. Through our faith, we can serve as a witness to God’s love and power. By embracing our hardships and allowing God to work in us, we can bring others to Christ. We can show the world that even in our darkest days, we have hope and a steadfast love that assures us that God is always with us. Through our tribulations, we can testify to God’s faithfulness.
John 9:3
“Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.” – John 9:3
2 Corinthians 4:17
“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” – 2 Corinthians 4:17
1 Peter 2:19-20
“For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God. But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it?” – 1 Peter 2:19-20
Matthew 5:16
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16
Romans 8:18
“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” – Romans 8:18
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on the reasons God allows bad things to happen, we can find hope and reassurance in His word. Trials serve a purpose by strengthening our faith and bringing us closer to Him. Whether it is due to our own choices, the presence of sin, or the need to grow, we can trust that God has a loving plan for us. Each hardship we face can be an opportunity to glorify God and witness His grace in our lives. Together, we can lean on our Savior during tough times, remembering that He is always with us and working for our good.
Let’s remember that in moments of struggle, God invites us to trust His process, knowing that He is working everything out for our benefit. If you’re seeking more biblical wisdom, consider exploring topics on evil in the world or affliction to gain deeper insights into these experiences.
We are not alone in our struggles. Together, in faith, we can lift one another, sharing our burdens and encouraging each other as we navigate life’s challenges. With God, we can find peace amidst turmoil and hope that shines bright in the darkest of moments.