Confidence Through the Trials of Life

Hope is one of the reasons we can overcome stuff. Biblical hope is attained when our mind is focused on God instead of our own life. Romans says to “...rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.” Romans 5:2b-4 (NKJV) Tribulations produce hope because tribulations force us to be aware of our dependence on God. By persevering through a tribulation, we begin to understand our weakness and God’s closeness and His ability to bring us through the situations we cannot handle on our own. 

Our hope is increased as we become grounded in who God made us to be and how He is working in our lives.

We learn that our lives do not have to be exactly the way we want them to be, for them to be good. Our hope is in God, not in our situations. Romans continues, “Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.” Romans 5:5-6 (NKJV). We can have hope in God’s love and strength, and He assures us of that by pouring out His Spirit upon us in our times of need. How do we have hope when we cannot see any way out of the stuff we are going through? 

“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 (NKJV)

We can be confident that even when situations drag us down, God will work out the stuff of life for our good and for His glory, if we love Him and do His will. When we put our trust in God, we can have hope regardless of our circumstances. Worry overshadows hope when we rely on our own power and abilities. But if we look back at the testimony of our life, we will see situations through which God has helped us before. 

Then we gain confidence that He will help us through our present troubles. 

For we know that, “He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6b (NKJV) We can be confident that the God who made us also wants to complete all the good works He has begun in our lives, regardless of the stuff that is going on. Peter wrote, “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:6-7 (NKJV)