As women, our lives are full of seasons – seasons of joy, waiting, increased responsibility. Sometimes, seasons of hardship and trial.
Whether you’re juggling motherhood, a career, caregiving, or walking through grief or loss, trials are part of the journey. They stretch us, humble us, and even feel like they might undo us altogether.
But here’s the truth: God never wastes our pain. In fact, the Bible teaches that our trials are not obstacles to avoid but opportunities to grow. They are the soil in which steadfastness blooms, refining quickens, and faith in Jesus proves true when the world falls away.
In these next four weeks, we will walk together through what God’s Word says about trials — how to see them, endure them, grow from them, and find unshakable peace in the midst of them. Let this be a journey not just of surviving hardship but of thriving in faith, even when the way is hard.
The fire you walk through is not in vain. God is with you, for you, and working through you. Hold fast. He is faithful. Especially in the trials.
Week 1: The Purpose in the Pain
James 1:2-4
–Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
This can feel like a contradiction. Count it joy when life gets hard? But James invites us to look beyond the trial and see what it produces: steadfastness – a deeply rooted faith that cannot be shaken. Trials don’t mean God is absent; they are evidence that He is actively shaping us. When we surrender to His refining work, we grow more complete, more like Jesus.
Reflect: Where am I resisting the trial instead of embracing the work God wants to do through it? What would it look like to choose joy — not because of the trial, but in spite of it?
Week 2: Strength in the Storm
Romans 12:12
–Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
Hope, patience, and prayer – this is the posture God invites us to take in the middle of the storm. Not a frantic scrambling, but a quiet perseverance rooted in the assurance that God is at work. When we pray through our pain, we trade self-reliance for surrender and anxiety for abiding. Prayer doesn’t always change the situation, but it always changes us.
Reflect: What is one area where I need more patience? How can I be more constant in prayer – even when I feel like giving up?
Week 3: Trusting God's Good Plan
Romans 8:28
–And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
God never promises that all things are good – but He does promise to work all things for good. Even in the mess, even in the heartbreak, God is weaving redemption. Sometimes we won’t see the full picture on this side of heaven, but we can trust His movement behind the scenes. He never wastes a single thread of our story.
Reflect: Am I trusting God's purpose even when I don’t understand His process? What “unfinished” area of my life do I need to surrender to His hands?
Week 4: Peace That Overcomes
John 16:33
–I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.
Jesus doesn’t sugarcoat life – He tells us clearly that we will have trouble. But He follows with a promise: I have overcome the world. The One who walks beside you is the One who conquered sin, death, and despair. Because of Him, we can have peace – not after the storm, but right in the middle of it. His peace is not the absence of pain, but the presence of Christ.
Reflect: Where am I looking for peace — in circumstances, or in Christ? How can I “take heart” and walk in the confidence of His victory?
Written by: Theresa Meacham
Read by: Benjamin Windle
I have faced many trials in my life – the loss of my wife among many “lesser” losses.
All have produced a spurt in my spiritual growth.
Early in my life when facing trials, I did not know what they were for or why I was facing them. My earliest responses to trials included anger at God, and it drove me further away from Him. I recall thinking that God was picking on me and somehow I had done something to draw His discipline on me.
I stayed stuck in anger, resentment, and disbelief. How could God be so mean? What had I done?
I was only drawing on my own inexperience and spiritual immaturity.
As I struggled for years with this thinking, one sentence from a dear friend of mine began my journey to exploring the real reasons – and benefit – behind my trials. My friend told me directly, When you get in enough pain, you will be willing to change.
I was looking for someone to feel sorry for me in my pain. Instead, my friend offered me a few words filled with God’s Truth!
God was allowing trials for my growth and my good – and He was getting my attention with the pain.
When you’re in physical pain, you go to the doctor. Similarly, God was using my emotionally pain to allow me to turn to Him for healing and wholeness. And while pain lasts only for a moment (or, let’s be honest, longer than that), His purposes are eternal.
I have learned to lean into God. Lean into the pain. Agree with His work to transform me through the trials.
New perspectives emerge. Growth, gain, and wisdom are byproducts from painful experiences. And they equip me to better do His work.
Trials are well worth the painful price when we allow them to bring us deeper into the presence of the Healer.
Week 1: He Understands
James 1:2-4
–Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
Wherever you’re experiencing pain or discomfort, know that our merciful God understands and pays attention. He wants you to come to Him, share with Him, and cast your cares on Him.
Reflect: What’s one hard thing you’re going through right now? Are you running from Him or running to Him?
Week 2: He Hears
Romans 12:12
–Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
This week, think about how you’ve reacted to trials and the discomfort in the past. Did you complain and play the victim? Did you allow God to transform you through those hardships? God does not want to see you pained or burdened, but He absolutely will help you use those things to become fuller, healthier, and more spiritually whole.
Reflect: What does it mean to you to “rejoice in hope?” Think about what this might practically look like. What is one thing you’re waiting for? Ask God to help you wait patiently – drawing near to Him in the wait.
Week 3: He Works
Romans 8:28
–And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
Let’s contemplate a “what if.” What if the trial and discomfort was actually for our good and the good of the kingdom? How would that change the way we approach the trial? Jesus knows – he faced numerous trials, completely trusting the Father and His purposes.
Reflect: What is one way you’ve seen God work “good” out of a trial in your past? Be encouraged by this! With that in mind, renew your intention to trust Him in your current hardships, in-betweens, trials, and unknowns.
Week 4: He Is Peace
John 16:33
–I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.
It really is possible to have peace in the midst of trials, pain, and chaos. Part of that peace comes by knowing this is just temporary, and that Jesus has ultimately and already overcome the world. His plan is good – take heart and have hope!
Reflect: How can you change your focus from the trials you are facing to the solution – that is ultimately found in Jesus? What would it practically look like to lean into Jesus when feeling overwhelmed?
Written by: Theresa Meacham
Inspired by: Dave DelGiacco
Let’s be real – life isn’t always easy. Sometimes it feels like everything’s going wrong at once: friendships fall apart, you don’t make the team, school is overwhelming, family gets messy, and you feel alone, stressed, or unsure of who you are or why it all even matters.
Here’s something important to know: God isn’t surprised by your struggles. In fact, He uses the hard things in our lives to help us grow stronger in our faith, even when it doesn’t make sense at the time. The Bible never promises that life will be perfect, but it does promise that God will be with you and that He’ll bring growth and goodness from the pain.
Jesus walks with you through every storm, listens to every prayer, and is working through every trial. Your pain has a purpose. Your story matters. And your faith is growing stronger every single day. Keep going – you’re not just surviving; you’re becoming who God created you to be.
Over the next four weeks, we’re going to dive into what the Bible says about going through tough times – how to come out stronger, closer to God, and more confident in how He’s working in your life.
You’re not in this alone. Let’s walk through it together.
Week 1: Finding Joy In the Hard Stuff
James 1:2-4
–Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
Joy isn’t about pretending everything’s fine. It’s about trusting that God is doing something good, even in the hard moments. James tells us that trials test our faith – but that’s not a bad thing! It’s how our faith grows deeper and stronger. Think of it like training for a sport: it’s tough, but it builds you up. That’s what God is doing with your heart.
Reflect: What’s one hard thing I’m going through right now? How might God be using it to help me grow stronger in my faith?
Week 2: Staying Steady When Life Feels Crazy
Romans 12:12
–Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
This verse is like a survival guide: stay hopeful, stay patient, and keep talking to God. When things feel out of control, it’s easy to panic or shut down. But God invites us to stay true – not on our own strength, but by staying connected to Him. Prayer doesn’t have to be fancy; it can be real and raw. He just wants your heart.
Reflect: When things get tough, take a few minutes to pause and pray – even just one honest sentence. Write down one thing you’re hopeful for, and ask God to help you wait patiently for it.
Week 3: Trusting That It'll All Work Out
Romans 8:28
–And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
It’s easy to wonder, “Why is this happening?” when life doesn’t go the way we hoped. But this verse reminds us that God is working everything together for good – even the things that feel confusing or painful. It might not happen overnight, but you can trust that He sees the whole story, and He’s writing something beautiful with your life.
Reflect: What’s one area of my life I don’t understand right now? Can I trust that God is doing something good with it, even if I don’t see it yet?
Week 4: Peace In the Chaos
John 16:33
–I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.
Jesus tells us the truth: life will be hard sometimes. But He also gives us this powerful promise – He has already won.He’s stronger than anything we’ll face. That means we can have peace – not because life is perfect, but because He is with us. So even in the chaos, you can take a deep breath, lean into Jesus, and know you’re safe in His love.
Reflect: Where am I looking for peace right now – in people, social media, or distractions? How can I take heart and lean into Jesus when I feel overwhelmed?
Written by: Theresa Meacham
Read by: Benjamin WindleBenjamin Windle - Author & Pastor
