Key Lessons To Learn Well To Avoid More Trials
Introduction: Trials Are God’s Classroom, Not His Punishment
Trials and tribulations are unavoidable in a fallen world. Jesus promised that “in this world you will have tribulation” (John 16:33). The question is not whether trials will come, but what they will produce in us.
Trials are not accidents, interruptions, or signs that God has abandoned you. God uses trials as one of His primary tools to shape us, refine us, and form Christ within us. Trials expose what we believe, what we love, what we trust, and where we are still clinging to self-centered control. When approached rightly, trials become a classroom of grace. When we resist or misunderstood the intended learning, trials often repeat —with greater and greater intensity.
God is gracious. He allows us to learn from:
-
- His Word
- The correction of the Holy Spirit
- The trials of others
We can learn from the trials of others and from God’s Word, so we do not have to learn everything the hard way. The more quickly we recognize and apply the lessons God is teaching through trials—whether ours or someone else’s—the fewer corrective trials we may need to endure ourselves.
This post outlines some of the key lessons God teaches through trials, how to recognize them in yourself, and how to respond wisely.
What follows are key lessons God consistently teaches through trials, along with the Scriptures that anchor them. These are not theoretical truths; they are transformational realities meant to be lived.
Key Lessons To Lean As Soon As Possible
1. God Is in Control — You Are Not
Trials expose the illusion of control. Many of us feel secure as long as our plans are working, our resources are sufficient, and our competence is respected. God allows situations where control slips through our fingers so we can rediscover where true security lies—not in ourselves, but in Him.
“Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but the Lord’s purpose prevails.” — Proverbs 19:21
“I am God, and there is no other… My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all My purpose.” — Isaiah 46:9–10
“Our God is in heaven; He does whatever pleases Him.” — Psalm 115:3
Self-Test
Do I feel anxious or angry when plans fall apart?
Do I equate control with safety?
What to Do
Verbally acknowledge God’s sovereignty in prayer.
Surrender outcomes, not just intentions.
Replace control-based planning with trust-based obedience.
2. You Are Fully Dependent on God – You Can Do Nothing Yourself
Dependence is not a flaw—it is how humans were designed. Trials reveal how much we rely on strength, money, intelligence, or influence instead of God. When those supports fail, God invites us back to childlike dependence.
“Apart from Me you can do nothing.” — John 15:5
“In His hand is the life of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind.” — Job 12:10
“My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:19
Self-Test
Do I pray first—or only after exhausting my own options?
Do I see dependence as weakness?
What to Do
Begin each day acknowledging your dependence on God.
Ask God for provision before taking action.
Thank Him explicitly for daily sustenance and strength.
3. Pressure Reveals What You Really Love — Love God First
Trials act like a heart-revealing mirror. Strong emotional reactions often indicate that something we love feels threatened—comfort, money, reputation, success, possessions, or control. God uses pressure to reorder our loves so that He is first.
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” — Matthew 6:21
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.” — Mark 12:30
Self-Test
What loss or threat triggers the strongest emotional response in me?
If God removed a certain comfort, would my peace collapse?
What to Do
Identify what you fear losing most.
Confess misplaced loves honestly to God.
Reaffirm your commitment to love God above all else.
4. Choose Humble Learning Over Bitter Victimhood
Trials present a fork in the road: humility or bitterness. Victimhood says, “This shouldn’t be happening to me.” Humility says, “Lord, what are You teaching me?” One posture multiplies suffering; the other transforms it.
“Count it all joy when you fall into various trials… knowing that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” — James 1:2–4
“Afterward it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.” — Hebrews 12:11
Self-Test
Do I blame others or circumstances for my pain?
Am I resistant to correction?
What to Do
Ask God what He wants to change in you.
Release blame and entitlement.
Practice gratitude during difficulty.
5. God Is Forming You, Not Just Fixing Circumstances
God’s primary concern is not your comfort but your character. Trials expose our demand for quick fixes and reveal God’s deeper work—shaping endurance, humility, faith, and love.
“Tribulation produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” — Romans 5:3–5
“Though now for a little while… your faith… tested by fire…” — 1 Peter 1:6–7
Self-Test
Do I measure God’s goodness by how fast He removes discomfort?
Am I willing to grow even if circumstances remain hard?
What to Do
Shift prayers from “remove this” to “transform me.”
Track character growth, not just outcomes.
Trust God’s timeline.
6. This Life Is Temporary — Fear God, Not Man
Trials reveal misplaced priorities. Fear of losing money, status, approval, or comfort often drives compromise. God reminds us that earthly life is temporary and eternal faithfulness matters most.
“Do not fear those who kill the body… rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” — Matthew 10:28
“The things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” — 2 Corinthians 4:18
Self-Test
Do I overwork or compromise to preserve security?
Am I more afraid of people’s opinions than God’s truth?
What to Do
Evaluate priorities honestly.
Choose obedience over comfort.
Invest more in eternal relationships than material gain.
7. Forgiveness Is Required, Not Optional
Trials often expose buried bitterness. Unforgiveness keeps wounds open and gives the enemy access. God commands forgiveness not to minimize injustice, but to free your heart.
“If you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” — Matthew 6:15
“Let all bitterness… be put away from you.” — Ephesians 4:31–32
Self-Test
Do I replay offenses mentally?
Do I justify withholding forgiveness?
What to Do
Forgive as an act of obedience, not emotion.
Pray blessing over those who hurt you.
Release the desire for personal vengeance.
8. Weakness Is the Gateway to God’s Power
Trials strip away self-confidence so God’s strength can be revealed. Weakness is not failure—it is an invitation for grace.
“My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” — 2 Corinthians 12:9
“He gives power to the weak.” — Isaiah 40:29
Self-Test
Do I feel ashamed of needing help?
Do I equate weakness with failure?
What to Do
Admit limitations openly before God.
Stop pretending to be strong.
Depend on grace daily.
9. Love Is Proven When It Costs You
Love becomes visible under pressure. Trials reveal whether our love is conditional or sacrificial. God calls us to love as Jesus loved—at personal cost.
“Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” — John 15:13
“Let us not love in word or tongue, but in deed and in truth.” — 1 John 3:18
Self-Test
Do I withdraw when love becomes inconvenient?
Do I protect myself instead of serving others?
What to Do
Choose sacrificial obedience.
Serve even when unrecognized.
Ask God to love others through you.
10. God Uses Trials to Prepare You to Serve Others
God redeems suffering by transforming it into ministry. What He heals in you becomes hope for others.
“That we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble.” — 2 Corinthians 1:4
“All things work together for good to those who love God.” — Romans 8:28
Self-Test
Do I isolate when I suffer?
Do I believe my pain is meaningless?
What to Do
Allow God to heal you fully.
Share testimony at the right time.
Serve from compassion, not wounds.
How to Best Take Advantage of Trials
If trials are God’s classroom, here is how to learn well:
Ask “What?” and “How?” before “Why?”
“What are You teaching me, Lord?” “How do You want me to respond?”
Watch your emotions closely.
They often reveal ungodly loves or beliefs under pressure.
Invite God to expose lies and replace them with truth.
Renewing the mind shortens the trial.
Repent quickly and sincerely.
Correction embraced early prevents escalation.
Choose obedience even when it costs you.
Delayed obedience often prolongs trials.
Stay thankful and prayerful.
Gratitude keeps the heart soft and receptive.
Where to Learn More
On MyGodInMotion.org
Trials and Tribulations: What, Why, Who, How
Ungodly Beliefs Enable Undesired Behaviors
Ungodly Loves Provide Buttons to Be Pushed
Be Transformed by Grace
Key Lessons to Learn as Soon as Possible in Life
Trusted Teachers & Resources
Dan Mohler (Neck Ministries):
https://www.youtube.com/@DanMohlerOfficial
Charles Stanley – Trusting God:
https://www.intouch.org
Jerry Bridges – Trusting God:
https://www.navigators.org
Bible study and verse lookup:
https://www.biblegateway.com
Conclusion
God does not waste pain. Every trial is an invitation—to deeper trust, purer love, clearer vision, and greater freedom. When we learn these lessons well, we grow faster, suffer less, and become living reflections of Jesus in a world desperate for hope.
“Blessed is the man who endures trial; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life.” — James 1:12
If you are in a trial right now, ask this simple question today:
“Lord, which lesson are You teaching me—and how can I apply it now?”
That question alone can shorten the journey.
