21 Bible Verses about Trials

Most Relevant Verses

James 1:2-3

My brothers and sisters, consider it nothing but joy when you fall into all sorts of trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance.

2 Corinthians 1:8-10

For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, regarding the affliction that happened to us in the province of Asia, that we were burdened excessively, beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of living. Indeed we felt as if the sentence of death had been passed against us, so that we would not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead. He delivered us from so great a risk of death, and he will deliver us. We have set our hope on him that he will deliver us yet again,

2 Corinthians 12:7-10

even because of the extraordinary character of the revelations. Therefore, so that I would not become arrogant, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to trouble me -- so that I would not become arrogant. I asked the Lord three times about this, that it would depart from me. But he said to me, "My grace is enough for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." So then, I will boast most gladly about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may reside in me.read more.
Therefore I am content with weaknesses, with insults, with troubles, with persecutions and difficulties for the sake of Christ, for whenever I am weak, then I am strong.

Matthew 5:10-12

"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to them. "Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you and say all kinds of evil things about you falsely on account of me. Rejoice and be glad because your reward is great in heaven, for they persecuted the prophets before you in the same way.

Malachi 3:3

He will act like a refiner and purifier of silver and will cleanse the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. Then they will offer the Lord a proper offering.

1 Peter 1:6-9

This brings you great joy, although you may have to suffer for a short time in various trials. Such trials show the proven character of your faith, which is much more valuable than gold -- gold that is tested by fire, even though it is passing away -- and will bring praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. You have not seen him, but you love him. You do not see him now but you believe in him, and so you rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy,read more.
because you are attaining the goal of your faith -- the salvation of your souls.

Psalm 66:10-12

For you, O God, tested us; you purified us like refined silver. You led us into a trap; you caused us to suffer. You allowed men to ride over our heads; we passed through fire and water, but you brought us out into a wide open place.

1 Peter 4:12-16

Dear friends, do not be astonished that a trial by fire is occurring among you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice in the degree that you have shared in the sufferings of Christ, so that when his glory is revealed you may also rejoice and be glad. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory, who is the Spirit of God, rests on you.read more.
But let none of you suffer as a murderer or thief or criminal or as a troublemaker. But if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but glorify God that you bear such a name.

Genesis 22:1

Some time after these things God tested Abraham. He said to him, "Abraham!" "Here I am!" Abraham replied.

Luke 22:28

"You are the ones who have remained with me in my trials.

2 Corinthians 8:1-2

Now we make known to you, brothers and sisters, the grace of God given to the churches of Macedonia, that during a severe ordeal of suffering, their abundant joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in the wealth of their generosity.

1 Thessalonians 3:2-4

We sent Timothy, our brother and fellow worker for God in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen you and encourage you about your faith, so that no one would be shaken by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are destined for this. For in fact when we were with you, we were telling you in advance that we would suffer affliction, and so it has happened, as you well know.

Job 1:7-12

The Lord said to Satan, "Where have you come from?" And Satan answered the Lord, "From roving about on the earth, and from walking back and forth across it." So the Lord said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one like him on the earth, a pure and upright man, one who fears God and turns away from evil." Then Satan answered the Lord, "Is it for nothing that Job fears God?read more.
Have you not made a hedge around him and his household and all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his livestock have increased in the land. But extend your hand and strike everything he has, and he will no doubt curse you to your face!" So the Lord said to Satan, "All right then, everything he has is in your power. Only do not extend your hand against the man himself!" So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord.

From Thematic Bible


Trials » Often blessings in disguise

Job 34:31

"Has anyone said to God, 'I have endured chastisement, but I will not act wrongly any more.

Trials » Chastisement, a mark of the father's love

Proverbs 3:11-12

My child, do not despise discipline from the Lord, and do not loathe his rebuke. For the Lord disciplines those he loves, just as a father disciplines the son in whom he delights.

1 Corinthians 11:32

But when we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined so that we may not be condemned with the world.

Trials » Sometimes prolonged

Psalm 6:3

I am absolutely terrified, and you, Lord -- how long will this continue?

Psalm 13:1

For the music director; a psalm of David. How long, Lord, will you continue to ignore me? How long will you pay no attention to me?

Psalm 35:17

O Lord, how long are you going to just stand there and watch this? Rescue me from their destructive attacks; guard my life from the young lions!

Psalm 79:5

How long will this go on, O Lord? Will you stay angry forever? How long will your rage burn like fire?

Psalm 80:4

O Lord God, invincible warrior! How long will you remain angry at your people while they pray to you?

Trials » Tribulation, a part of earthly experience

Revelation 2:9

I know the distress you are suffering and your poverty (but you are rich). I also know the slander against you by those who call themselves Jews and really are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.

Trials » The refining influence of

Zechariah 13:9

Then I will bring the remaining third into the fire; I will refine them like silver is refined and will test them like gold is tested. They will call on my name and I will answer; I will say, 'These are my people,' and they will say, 'The Lord is my God.'"

Isaiah 1:25

I will attack you; I will purify your metal with flux. I will remove all your slag.

Trials » Of ministers and prophets

2 Corinthians 12:7

even because of the extraordinary character of the revelations. Therefore, so that I would not become arrogant, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to trouble me -- so that I would not become arrogant.

Ezekiel 24:18

So I spoke to the people in the morning, and my wife died in the evening. In the morning I acted just as I was commanded.

1 Corinthians 4:11

To the present hour we are hungry and thirsty, poorly clothed, brutally treated, and without a roof over our heads.

2 Corinthians 11:23

Are they servants of Christ? (I am talking like I am out of my mind!) I am even more so: with much greater labors, with far more imprisonments, with more severe beatings, facing death many times.

More verses: 1 Thessalonians 3:3

Trials » From God

Ruth 1:20

But she replied to them, "Don't call me 'Naomi'! Call me 'Mara' because the Sovereign One has treated me very harshly.

Job 6:4

For the arrows of the Almighty are within me; my spirit drinks their poison; God's sudden terrors are arrayed against me.

Job 16:12

I was in peace, and he has shattered me. He has seized me by the neck and crushed me. He has made me his target;

Trials » True believers do not faint under

Ephesians 3:13

For this reason I ask you not to lose heart because of what I am suffering for you, which is your glory.

More verses: Revelation 2:3

Trials » General references to

Isaiah 63:9

Through all that they suffered, he suffered too. The messenger sent from his very presence delivered them. In his love and mercy he protected them; he lifted them up and carried them throughout ancient times.

Exodus 3:7

The Lord said, "I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt. I have heard their cry because of their taskmasters, for I know their sorrows.

Trials » Cup of suffering, saints drink of

Psalm 80:5

You have given them tears as food; you have made them drink tears by the measure.

John 18:11

But Jesus said to Peter, "Put your sword back into its sheath! Am I not to drink the cup that the Father has given me?"

Psalm 73:10

Therefore they have more than enough food to eat, and even suck up the water of the sea.

Matthew 20:22

Jesus answered, "You don't know what you are asking! Are you able to drink the cup I am about to drink?" They said to him, "We are able."

More verses: Psalm 102:9

Trials » Waters of affliction

Psalm 69:1

For the music director; according to the tune of "Lilies;" by David. Deliver me, O God, for the water has reached my neck.

Psalm 124:4

The water would have overpowered us; the current would have overwhelmed us.

Isaiah 30:20

The sovereign master will give you distress to eat and suffering to drink; but your teachers will no longer be hidden; your eyes will see them.

More verses: Jonah 2:5

Knowing Jesus Everyday

Never miss a post

Related Readings

Theasaurus: Trials

NET Bible copyright © 1996-2006 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. NetBible