Don’t you hate it when life is hard? The same old trials, over and over again? Sometimes I wish I could escape to Italy . . . or Hawaii . . or maybe even North Carolina.
Anywhere nice and cushy and problem-free.
Give me a chair by the water and an icy frappe with a little umbrella in it, and I’d be happy as a clam. Forget about all those problems.
I hate to say it – because I like the picture that’s forming in my mind – but that’s probably never going to happen. Because if I lived in one of those places, I’d bring my problems along with me.
Life will never be perfect. But God, in His wisdom, grace, and love, has provided a way to redeem those hard times in our lives: He uses them to help us grow. Here’s a Bible study that will help you look at your trial in a way that will help you grow.
When Life is Hard: A Bible Study on Trials
Note: I have recently published a new Bible study on growing through trials called Rally. Click here if you’re interested in that study.
1. What’s your current trial, and how is it affecting you?
2. Read Hebrews 12:1-15 and record everything it says about how God wants you to handle this trial and what He’s hoping you’ll get out of it. (Note: Try to make this personal. For example, in verse 1, what does He want you to lay aside?)
3. How are you currently handling this trial?
4. What will happen if you keep doing what you’ve been doing with this trial?
5. What do you need to change to handle your trial the way God wants you to handle it?
6. Read James 1:2-4 and Romans 5:3-5. What do you think God wants to teach you through this trial that you’re going through? Be specific.
7. When you think of all God could do in your life through this trial, can you see why the trial could be a good thing in your life?
8. What will you need to do if you want to accomplish God’s goals for your trial? (Matthew 26:36-36, Romans 12:1-2, Hebrews 12:11)
Group Discussion Questions
1. What’s the typical attitude toward trials in America?
2. Is the attitude any different in the church? Explain.
3. Why do you suppose we don’t “count it all joy” when we encounter trials like James tells us to do in James 1:2-4?
4. The Greek word for temptation (perasmos) is often translated trial. (That’s the word you’ll find in James 1:2.) Is temptation also an opportunity for growth? If so, how could temptation help you to grow closer to God and more like Him?
5. Would you have as many trials if you didn’t have free will? Why or why not?
6. Do you think it was hard for God to give us free will? Why or why not?
7. How does the fact that God uses trials to help us grow point to God’s love for us and His overall brilliance?
Kari Scare says
June 21, 2012 at 6:35 amTerrific study! I may have to use it for a teaching sometime for our adult class or ladies group. Really got a lot out of it this morning. Great job! I feel inspired to fix my focus to better protect my heart and to seek His wisdom.
Barb says
June 21, 2012 at 10:38 amGreat Kari – I’m glad it was helpful!
Loren Pinilis says
June 21, 2012 at 8:24 amYou know, I have to admit – things are relatively rosy for me right now. But I’m struck by how many people are exhorting me to prepare for trials. It’s wise to do so before you need your knowledge!
Question number 3 was what struck me, too. I’ve taught on that passage in James and how we should count it as joy to go through trials. I think the key to that is to value wisdom. We often acquire wisdom through trials, so that view helps us consider trials to be a joy.
Barb says
June 21, 2012 at 10:41 amThe sad thing about questions 3 is that if often shows me I’m not handling the trial in a way that will lead to wisdom – instead, I’m just escaping it. That’s why it’s important to ask the question – it reminds me to go to God so I’ll get that joy and the wisdom.
Kari Scare says
June 21, 2012 at 11:43 amSuch a good point Barb. We have to be deliberate about it.
Kari Scare says
June 21, 2012 at 11:31 amDon’t you love how we can prepare for trials by getting wisdom? Studying God’s Word and spending time with Him are they keys to preparing us for the trials that lie ahead. He gives us all we need to get through and to prepare for.
Dan Black on Leadership says
June 22, 2012 at 2:07 pmGreat bible study. At times I wish I was on the beach drinking an iced mocha:)
#5 is so essential, “What do you need to change to handle your trial the way God wants you to handle it?” This is sometimes hard but so important to do. It requires self focus on taking time to think about the areas we need to change.
Elizabeth Archer says
June 23, 2012 at 2:12 pmJust got home from 2 weeks up north~ couldn’t wait to print this off! Love it! :o) Thank You Barb!
Barb says
June 24, 2012 at 9:50 pmGlad you liked it, Elizabeth! Hope you had fun up north.
Karen says
January 12, 2015 at 3:26 pmSo, I am starting to print this off and my printer jams!!!!!!!!!So, tonight when we study this I have the perfect segway to how trials come to all of us , even when we are doing good, like printing a Bible study! LOL
Barb Raveling says
January 12, 2015 at 4:13 pmThat is so funny! Don’t you think God must have a sense of humor? :) Hope you have a great Bible study. I’m honored that you’re using my study!