LIVING IN FAITH THROUGH TRIALS AND TESTS
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: James 1:2-4
Supporting Texts: 1 Peter 1:6-7, Romans 5:3-5, Hebrews 11:17-19, Job 23:10, 2 Corinthians 4:17
INTRODUCTION:
Life as a believer is not exempt from difficulties. Trials and tests are part of the Christian journey. They come in various forms—sickness, persecution, loss, disappointment, or delay—but they are not meant to destroy us. Instead, they serve as refining instruments in the hand of God to build our faith and make us spiritually mature.
God does not abandon His children during trials. Rather, He walks with them through the fire, strengthening their inner man and perfecting their trust in Him. What often feels like a painful moment can become a defining chapter in our walk with God. True faith is not tested in comfort but in adversity.
This message is a reminder that faith is not just believing when things go well, but holding on to God even when everything around us seems to fall apart. Faith is the bridge that carries us from testing to testimony, from tears to triumph, and from brokenness to breakthrough.
1. TRIALS TEST THE GENUINENESS OF OUR FAITH
a) Faith must be proven through testing (1 Peter 1:6-7):
Just like gold is refined by fire to remove impurities, our faith is purified through the fires of trials, revealing its true quality.
b) Trials expose our spiritual foundation (Matthew 7:24-27):
When the storms of life come, it becomes evident whether our faith is built on the solid rock of God's Word or on the shifting sands of emotion.
c) Testing helps us to depend solely on God (2 Corinthians 1:8-9):
When all human support fails, trials lead us to lean fully on God’s strength, provision, and sovereignty.
d) God values tested faith more than earthly riches (Proverbs 17:3):
God sees great worth in faith that has endured hardship, and He uses it as a testimony of His grace and faithfulness.
Biblical Example: Abraham’s faith was tested when God asked him to sacrifice Isaac. His willingness to obey proved the depth of his trust in God (Hebrews 11:17-19).
2. TRIALS PRODUCE SPIRITUAL MATURITY
a) Trials develop endurance and patience (James 1:3-4):
When we remain steadfast in trials, we build spiritual muscles that prepare us for future victories.
b) Trials cultivate character and hope (Romans 5:3-5):
Enduring difficulty with the right attitude shapes our integrity and fuels our expectation of God’s promises.
c) Challenges train us to be spiritually alert and discerning (Hebrews 5:14):
Repeated experiences of trusting God sharpen our spiritual senses to discern His will in future situations.
d) God uses trials to prune and promote us (John 15:2):
Every test removes what is unfruitful in us and prepares us for a new season of fruitfulness and purpose.
Biblical Example: Joseph endured betrayal, false accusations, and imprisonment. But each trial prepared him for the palace, where he became a saviour to nations (Genesis 50:20).
3. TRIALS POSITION US FOR GREATER GLORY
a) Temporary afflictions produce eternal glory (2 Corinthians 4:17):
Though our trials may be painful now, God is using them to prepare a far greater reward that outweighs the suffering.
b) Suffering opens the door for divine encounters (Exodus 3:7-8):
God often reveals Himself more intimately when His people are going through affliction.
c) Trials draw us closer to God’s presence (Psalm 34:18):
The Lord is especially near to those who are broken-hearted and crushed in spirit during trying times.
d) God’s power is perfected in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9):
When trials bring us to the end of ourselves, it creates space for the power of God to be fully manifest.
Biblical Example: After enduring great trials, Job encountered a deeper revelation of God and was blessed more than he had at the beginning (Job 42:10-17).
4. TRIALS STRENGTHEN OUR TESTIMONY AND WITNESS
a) Our trials become a source of encouragement to others (2 Corinthians 1:3-4):
God allows us to go through trials so we can comfort others with the comfort we ourselves have received.
b) Tested faith is a loud testimony of God’s faithfulness (Psalm 66:10-12):
When we come through the fire, our lives tell the story of a God who preserves and delivers.
c) Overcoming trials makes our testimony credible (Revelation 12:11):
We overcome by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of our testimony—built in the midst of hardship.
d) God uses our pain to reveal His purpose (Genesis 50:20):
The enemy meant it for evil, but God turns it around for good to bless others through us.
Biblical Example: Paul’s numerous trials as a minister strengthened the early church and encouraged believers to remain steadfast (2 Corinthians 11:23-27).
5. GOD IS ALWAYS WITH US IN THE MIDST OF TRIALS
a) God promises His presence in trouble (Isaiah 43:2):
He walks with us through the fire and floods; we are never abandoned or alone.
b) He provides grace that is sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9):
God supplies supernatural strength and peace that sustain us when human strength fails.
c) He works all things for our good (Romans 8:28):
Even the worst situations can become stepping stones for divine purpose and promotion.
d) God gives us victory in the end (Psalm 34:19):
Though many are the afflictions of the righteous, the Lord delivers them out of them all.
Biblical Example: The three Hebrew boys were not spared from the fire, but God showed up in the fire with them and brought them out without harm (Daniel 3:24-27).
CONCLUSION:
Trials and tests are not signs of God’s rejection but opportunities for the growth of our faith. While they are uncomfortable and painful, they produce perseverance, build character, and prepare us for greater glory. Living by faith through trials means trusting God even when you don’t understand, praising Him even when it hurts, and refusing to give up, knowing that God is working something beautiful through your pain.
The fire you are facing today is not meant to consume you—it is meant to refine you. Like gold, you are being purified for a greater purpose. Do not fear the test, for God is with you, and your testimony will be louder than your trial. Hold on, stay in faith, and watch God turn your trials into triumph.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, strengthen my faith to endure every trial.
2. Father, help me to see Your purpose in my pain.
3. I reject fear and discouragement during times of testing.
4. Refine me through trials and make me more like You.
5. Let my trials become testimonies to Your glory.
6. Deliver me from every affliction that seeks to destroy me.
7. Fill my heart with peace in the midst of storms.
8. Teach me to trust You completely, even when I don’t understand.
9. Raise me up after every test, stronger and wiser.
10. Let my life be a living testimony of victory over trials.
