One of the Hardest Truths
Why Does God Allow Trials and Hard Seasons?
One of the hardest truths for many believers to grasp is that following the Messiah does not shield us from pain, loss, or difficulty. Becoming a disciple doesn’t exempt us from a broken world. We still face the heartbreak of losing a loved one, sickness in our bodies, financial strain, anxiety, fear, and the unexpected storms of life. If God truly loves us, why wouldn’t He remove every burden and make the path smooth? Wouldn’t a loving Father want us comfortable?
Surprisingly, Scripture tells us the opposite. God does love His children deeply, yet He still allows challenges because He is weaving all things—even the painful ones—into something good for those who belong to Him (Romans 8:28). If that’s true, then every trial has a divine purpose behind it.
Growing Into the Image of Yeshua
God’s highest goal for us is not comfort but Christlikeness. Romans 8:29 explains that we are being shaped into the image of His Son, Yeshua. Everything we walk through—even the parts we wish we could avoid—is part of this shaping process. This is the work of sanctification: being set apart for God, being refined so we can live for His glory.
Peter describes this refining work vividly: “for a little while… you have been grieved by various trials so that the genuineness of your faith… may be found to result in praise and glory” (1 Peter 1:6–7). Just as gold is purified by fire, our faith is strengthened and proven genuine through hardship. Trials help us know that our faith is real and rooted deeply enough to endure forever.
What Trials Produce in Us
Scripture doesn’t just say trials have purpose—it shows what they build in us. Romans 5:3–5 teaches that suffering develops perseverance, which produces character, and character grows into a hope that will never shame or disappoint us. That hope is anchored in God’s love, poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit.
Yeshua Himself demonstrated this pattern of faithful endurance. “While we were still sinners, Messiah died for us” (Romans 5:8). His perseverance shows us how to walk through ours. As Paul reminds us, “I can do all things through Messiah who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).
When Hardship Is Our Own Doing
Scripture also warns us not to label the consequences of our own poor choices as “God’s trials.” Peter cautions believers not to suffer because of sinful behavior or harmful meddling (1 Peter 4:15). Even though God forgives sin and Messiah has paid the eternal penalty, the earthly consequences still unfold. Yet even those consequences can become tools God uses to form us and redirect us toward His purposes.
The Promise and Reward in Our Trials
James tells us to “consider it pure joy” when we face trials because these tests mature us, develop endurance, and shape us into believers who lack nothing (James 1:2–4). Those who remain steadfast will ultimately receive “the crown of life,” a reward promised to all who love the Lord.
Victory Through Every Battle
Even though trials come, believers are never defeated. “Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Yeshua Messiah.” We are in a spiritual battle, but the enemy has no authority over those who belong to Messiah.
God hasn’t left us helpless—He’s given us:
• His Word to guide us
• His Spirit to empower us
• Prayer to approach Him anytime and anywhere
• His promise that no test will overwhelm us beyond what we can endure
And when the weight feels too heavy, He promises to provide “a way out” so we can stand firm (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Blessings,
Pastor Bruce and Suzi Elman