A Season of Trials

10But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold. 11My foot has held fast to his steps; I have kept his way and have not turned aside. 12I have not departed from the commandment of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my portion of food.
—Job 23:10-12


Clearly stated, trials have a season. Whether for weeks or months or years, the normal trial lasts for an appointed time. When we’re undergoing a trial, it may seem unending, but there’s a limit, a date stamp, and an end point. Psalm 30:5 reminds us, “For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.” And Hebrews 12:11 says that “For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant . . .”


In my own trials, I have come to see that a lot of the struggle is about when. Sometimes we think, “If I knew now what the outcomes would be, even if they are not all exactly as I desire, I could begin to deal with it.” But if we are walking by faith and resting in the promises of God, we don’t have a lot of questions about what. We know what God has promised to do—His intention is to bring good out of any trial. So the only thing left to be burdened about is the when. When will God act? When will God plead my case? When will God heal my body? When will God restore that relationship or right that wrong or . . .? When—that’s what we are longing to know!


Job 23:10 assures us the time is coming. There’s going to be an afterward. Hold on—there’s going to be an end to this trouble. God is watching your life and at some point in this trial, He will say enough. That moment may be crystal clear to you or you may realize one day you are now looking back at a trial rather than at it. Afterward is a trial in the rearview mirror.


Job’s assurance can be yours and mine today. Get under it and don’t waste any days. The sooner you and I get what He has for us, the sooner He will bring us out. This painful season is coming to an end.


“When will He do that?” you ask. I’ll let Job answer your question: “When He has tried you.”