How to Face the Trial You’re Not Ready For — And Still Win

Sometimes, the greatest challenge in your trial isn’t the pain—it’s your focus. When you’re in the middle of it, everything feels overwhelming because all you see is what’s happening now. But God’s Word says, “Though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials…” That phrase—“though now”—holds a powerful truth: now is not forever.

Trials make us forget. We panic. We forget the victories we’ve already seen, the prayers God has already answered. That’s why David spoke to his own soul and reminded himself of God’s faithfulness. You have to do the same—preach to your own heart. Say to yourself: “This is hard, but it will pass. It’s not permanent. God is.”

I remember my son, Ariel, studying night after night for a Bible competition. He worked hard, passed the test, was chosen… but then, he got sick the week of the event and couldn’t even compete. Then later, he had to take a Latin test he hadn’t studied for. And there it was—two kinds of tests: one with preparation, and one without. Life will give you both. And between the two, it’s far better to be prepared and not tested than tested and unprepared.

But whether you’re ready or not, the tests will come.

And they come because, if you’re a believer, you’re still in school—God’s school. Life is your classroom. Everything that happens is part of the curriculum. If you’re born again, you’re a disciple—and that means you’re a student. And every student gets tested.

Here’s the difference: unbelievers have problems, too, but no promise that any of it has meaning. For believers, every problem has purpose. Even the worst trial is used by God to refine, grow, and bless you. That’s the promise in Romans 8:28—“All things work together for good.” All things. Even this thing you’re in right now.

That trial is not random. It’s not just a problem. It’s a test. That changes everything. Because a test has a purpose. A test can be passed. And if it can be passed, it can lead to something greater.

The Bible says these tests prove your faith is more precious than gold—because they refine you. Like fire purifies metal, the heat of your hardship draws out what’s impure and reveals what’s real. The goal isn’t just to get through it—it’s to come out of it transformed.

So what do you do when you’re tested?

First, remember: this is temporary. Your trial may feel endless, but it has a time limit. God doesn’t. Set your eyes on what will outlast the pain. That’s how you stay grounded.

Second, remind yourself of what you already know. God has seen you through before—He’ll do it again. His record is perfect. He hasn’t failed you, and He won’t start now.

Third, stop seeing it as just suffering. Start seeing it as a sacred opportunity. A holy invitation. A defining moment.

Even the smallest trials—a traffic jam, a delay, a difficult person—can be used for growth. Every test has a lesson. Sometimes it’s about patience. Sometimes trust. Sometimes surrender. But if you’re willing, God will use even your lowest valley to take you higher.

And finally, don’t waste the pain. Let it do its work in you. Some of the most life-changing moments are birthed from brokenness. Many of us didn’t come to God when life was perfect—we came when we were falling apart. Don’t forget that. Because your greatest growth often comes from your greatest struggles.

You may not feel ready for the test. But you’re not walking through it alone. God has already gone ahead of you, and He’s promised: This, too, will pass. And if you hold on to Him, you will not just survive—you will come through stronger, purer, and closer to His heart.