Your Trial Has An Expiry Date

YOUR TRIAL HAS AN EXPIRY DATE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Peter 5:10

"But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you."

Supporting Texts: Psalm 30:5, 2 Corinthians 4:17, Romans 8:18, Job 14:14, Isaiah 43:2

INTRODUCTION:

Life is filled with seasons—both joyful and painful. For every believer, trials are part of the journey. They test our faith, refine our character, and draw us closer to God. Yet, one truth stands firm in Scripture: every trial has a beginning, and by God’s design, it also has an end.

The pain you feel today is not permanent. The God of all grace promises to perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you after you have suffered for a while. That "while" may vary for each person, but it is never eternal. God sets boundaries to every test, just as He placed limits on Satan regarding Job.

Understanding that your trial has an expiry date gives you strength to endure. It assures you that no night lasts forever and no storm is endless. Hope is born when we remember that weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.

1. GOD ALLOWS TRIALS FOR A SEASON

Every trial has divine timing and purpose behind it.

a) Trials do not last forever – God controls the duration of your trials (Ecclesiastes 3:1).

b) God uses trials to shape and prepare us – Trials produce endurance, character, and hope (Romans 5:3-4).

c) He never permits more than you can bear – He makes a way of escape with every temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13).

d) Trials often precede divine promotion – Before exaltation, there is a season of testing (Genesis 41:14).

Biblical Example: Joseph’s years in prison ended in one day when his time came (Genesis 41:14).

2. GOD IS WITH YOU IN THE TRIAL

You are never alone in your moments of pain and pressure.

a) His presence sustains you – Even in the fire, God stands with His children (Daniel 3:24-25).

b) He speaks peace in the storm – God calms our fears even when the storm still rages (Mark 4:39).

c) Trials reveal God’s strength in our weakness – His grace is sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9).

d) He sends help and encouragement – Sometimes through people or divine interventions (Acts 27:23-24).

Biblical Example: The Lord walked with the three Hebrew boys in the fiery furnace (Daniel 3:25).

3. YOUR RESPONSE DETERMINES YOUR OUTCOME

How you handle your trial affects what you receive from it.

a) Respond in faith, not fear – Faith pleases God and positions you for victory (Hebrews 11:6).

b) Don’t complain—praise through the pain – Praise confuses the enemy and invites divine intervention (Acts 16:25-26).

c) Stay rooted in God’s Word – The Word is a weapon and a source of strength (Psalm 119:92).

d) Remain prayerful and watchful – Prayer brings divine perspective and peace (Philippians 4:6-7).

Biblical Example: Job held onto his integrity and God restored him (Job 42:10).

4. GOD WILL BRING YOU OUT STRONGER

Your trial will not leave you broken but better.

a) God will restore what you lost – Double for your trouble (Joel 2:25).

b) He will perfect and settle you – Your end will be glorious (1 Peter 5:10).

c) He will use your pain for others’ gain – Your testimony will strengthen many (2 Corinthians 1:4).

d) Trials give you a crown of glory – There's reward for faithful endurance (James 1:12).

Biblical Example: After Jesus endured the cross, He was highly exalted (Philippians 2:8-9).

5. THE NIGHT WILL PASS, THE MORNING WILL BREAK

There is a prophetic timing when your trial must give way to joy.

a) God turns mourning into dancing – He changes stories overnight (Psalm 30:11).

b) There is a divine announcement of “enough is enough” – God says, “It is finished” (John 19:30).

c) You are closer to your breakthrough than you think – Don’t quit now (Galatians 6:9).

d) When your time comes, no power can stop your rising – Divine timing overrides every delay (Habakkuk 2:3).

Biblical Example: After enduring many trials, David finally became king as promised (2 Samuel 5:4-5).

CONCLUSION:

No trial is permanent. It may be long, painful, and confusing, but it has a divine expiry date. God has allowed it for a season, but He has also appointed a time to bring it to an end. The God of all grace will not leave you in the furnace forever—He is perfecting something greater in you.

Hold on in faith. Keep praying. Keep praising. Refuse to let go of your confidence. Your morning is near, your joy is about to break forth, and your story is changing for the better.