trials | Christian Library

Trusting God in the Storms of Life

This article draws on Scripture to encourage those who are undergoing trials to trust in God.

A Pastor’s Reflections: Cruciform Ministry and Joy

The Christian life is a cruciform life. Christians are called to sacrifice themselves. This article offers two reasons why Christians can be joyful even in trials and suffering.

James 1 - The Truth about Trials

This article is a Bible study on James 1. It looks at how Christians should deal with trials in their lives.

The Trials of Old Age

Old age has its challenges, but it also has its trials, including loss of strength, loss of memory, loss of friends, and living in dependence on others. This article examines how to live facing those trials.

What Every Christian Needs to Know about Evil and Suffering

There are two things that Christians should know about suffering and trials: God has a purpose for them, and we are not able to figure out what that purpose is in the moment.

James – Wisdom for Life's Tests (James 1:1-27)

Chapter 1 presents an exegesis of James 1:1-27. This chapter is wisdom for the Christian life in trials and suffering.

The Theological Message of James

What are the most important theological themes of the letter of James? The essay explores theological themes in James, like its theology of Christ, prayer, faith, law, suffering and trials, and faith and works.

Preparing for Trials

This article shows that Christ made it clear that his church will face trials and persecutions. It also makes clear that Christ showed his church how to prepare for trials.

I Shall Come Forth as Gold

Christians go through trials and suffering. From Job 23:10, this article shows that God in his knowledge and sovereignty uses these to refine believers just as gold is refined.

Unquenchable Joy

What should a believer's reaction to suffering look like? This article discusses James' exhortation in James 1:2 which encourages Christians to rejoice in trials. This joy acts as a testimony to the world of the presence of the Lord Jesus in the believer's life. To withdraw and dwell in self-pity is to sin against God, who has blessed us with many things in this life and the next.

No Pain, No Gain

This article encourages believers to change their attitude towards trials and suffering in their lives. God is glorified through our perseverance in suffering, and our suffering teaches us to trust in God.

Comfort in Temptation

Christians face temptations every day which challenge their faith and resolve. Is there any comfort in the midst of so many daily trials and temptations? Our comfort rests in God’s faithfulness and sovereign will. Christ, who also faced temptation, supports his church. The power to conquer temptation lies not in ourselves but in Christ.

John 6:37 - A Text For all Seasons

John 6:37 is a text for all seasons, since from it Christians can find comfort when they are troubled by sin, temptation, or trials.

Count it All Joy (Part 1)

This article on James 1:1-2 discusses how Christians can count trials and suffering as joy. This can happen when Christians see that trials come from God, and serve to purify faith.

Count it All Joy (Part 2)

This article on James 1:1-2 discusses how Christians can count trials and suffering as joy. This can happen when Christians see suffering as making them partakers in Christ's suffering, and as revealing the power of Christ.

James 1:2-3 - Count it All Joy

This article on James 1:2-3 shows that Christian can rejoice when facing trials and suffering because God sends these to purify their faith.

I Will Be with Thee

This article is about the comfort of God and the presence of God in suffering and trials. The author also discusses Isaiah 43:2.

Thomas Boston: At the Borders of Glory

This article is about the life, ministry, preaching and trials of Thomas Boston (1676-1732).

A Pastoral Letter on Cross-Bearing

This article is about cross-bearing in trials, and rejoicing in God's purpose with these trials.

The Great Healer

Is illness a direct punishment from God? Will you always be healed, if you only have enough faith? This article also looks at God's purpose with suffering and trials, and the reason to keep hope in these situations.

When Satan Hurts Christ’s People

This article is a reflection on why Christians suffer losses. Jesus called those who remain steadfast under trials blessed. Those who have stood the test will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love Him.