Lessons From Trials – I am Not In Control, God Is
Introduction
Life is a journey, a learning experience. We all undergo difficult situations, trials and tribulations. We can learn many lessons from trials if we step back from the situation for a moment, humble ourselves and seek input and guidance from above.
There are common lessons folks learn as they work through trials and we can benefit from understanding those lessons. We can also learn lessons about the process of learning so we can get to the benefits of learning as soon as possible, and maybe avoid another cycle of trials because you did not learn the intended lesson.
The following testimony is from a wonderful friend who recently had a powerful learning experience. As you read this, look for any lessons you can learn and apply to your life. I encourage you to look at two levels… the specific learnings about living a life in true partnership with God, and also look for any lessons or helpful hints about the process of learning lessons from trials.
Testimony:
Who: Emerson, 44, Mortgage Analyst, Western NY, Fall/Winter 2025
There was a season in my life when things felt steady — work, health, routines — and I didn’t realize how much confidence I had placed in those things until they were suddenly disrupted.
Through an unexpected debilitating health issue, hospital visits, medical testing, and time away from work, my life was brought to a sudden pause. It felt abrupt and unsettling, but Scripture reminds us that God sometimes uses interruption to bring clarity.
“Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)
I went from feeling capable and dependable to feeling uncertain and vulnerable. I had questions without immediate answers and concerns I could not resolve on my own.
I had learned that the Lord would help me if i asked Him, So I did. I quieted myself and spoke to Jesus with all my heart. I asked Him what was going on? Why was this happening? What am I supposed to learn? I got a very clear message from Him: “Stick with Me and I will show you”. I thanked Him in advance for being with me, for helping me get through these issues, and for teaching me what ever I needed to learn. This interaction became a frequent occurrence; Multiple times a day, all hours of the day. I would ask a question and listen for His response. The Holy Spirit would led me to specific scriptures or bible stories to read and meditate on. I used bible study references to understand the context and intended message and how it relates to me. I got new revelations every day, about the motives in my heart, about how I interact with people, how I function at work. I took each input seriously, recognized the flaws in my old ways and repented. Over the course of several weeks we became good buddies. One day when I was finally able to get out bed again, I invited the Lord to walk around my house with me and He joined me; It has been a wonderful experience and I will never be the same.
One thing the Lord revealed to me was something deeper than fear — a misplaced sense of control.
“The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9)
What I came to understand is that God was not absent in the disruption — He was present in it. Scripture shows us that the Lord, in His love, will sometimes slow or stop us when our direction needs correction.
“Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word.” (Psalm 119:67)
This season forced me to confront a truth I had known intellectually but not fully lived:
I am not in control — God is.
And more importantly, He is good and trustworthy.
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5–6)
Waiting became a discipline rather than a punishment. Instead of striving to regain control, I was invited to daily dependence.
“It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.” (Lamentations 3:26)
I also learned that God does not always explain the “why” immediately, but He promises His presence.
“My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”(Exodus 33:14)
This season didn’t instantly resolve my circumstances, but it reshaped my heart. I began to see that interruption can be instruction, and surrender can be a form of obedience.
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you.” (1 Peter 5:6)
I am still learning. I don’t have every answer, and some paths remain unclear. But I now understand that God is faithful in the pause, purposeful in the waiting, and near to those who rely on Him.
“The steps of a man are established by the LORD, when he delights in his way.” (Psalm 37:23)
If you are walking through a season where life feels suddenly halted — where plans have stalled and control has been stripped away — Scripture offers this assurance:
“The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)
God can be trusted with what we cannot carry. Sometimes He brings us to stillness not to harm us, but to draw us closer to Himself.
How To Leverage This:
What Lesson(s) Did He Learn?
What Lie/Ungodly Belief was He Living From Before?
What Truth/Godly Belief replaced it and set Him free?
Do You Need To Learn The Same Lesson?
What Can You Learn From His Learning Experience?
What Did He Do That Helped Him Learn This Lesson As Quickly As He Did?
Where to Learn More About Learning Lessons From Trials/Tribulations:
Trials Squeeze The Real You Out – See It And Fix It <Blog Post>
Dan Mohler – How To Respond To Trials
Closing Thoughts:
Trials are inevitable. Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you deal with it.
The closer you draw to God, the more He can help you work through what ever you face.
“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” – James 4:8
Life is a journey and you are being formed and prepared for doing good works for the Lord.
Ephesians 2:10 – For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
He is the master potter and you are clay. The more you humble yourself and seek His guidance, the more quickly you can be molded into the desired shape.
“But now, O LORD, You are our Father; we are the clay, and You our Potter; we are all the work of Your hand” – Isaiah 64:8,
If you love Him and trust Him, All things will work out
“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” – Romans 8:28
