Daily Devo
The Trials of Life
By: Lisa Boisvert
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
One thing we can be certain of is that our lives will be filled with trials. But if we're following Jesus, we won't have to face them alone.
But navigating life's trials can be difficult. Our stomach knots, anxieties rise, sleep suffers, and a prolonged trial may even cause us to lose hope. We must all endure life's trials, but the Lord has given us a "recipe" for navigating them successfully. As our opening verse says, we must rejoice, pray, and give Him thanks in all circumstances!
But when times get tough, it's hard to rejoice.... But Christ followers can rejoice because we KNOW that regardless of our circumstances, Jesus is walking through them with us. Therefore, we can have peace in our trials, God's peace. In the book of John, Jesus explained it like this:
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
Victory over our trials is God's promise, and it's because Jesus overcame the world. If we are following Him, then He will guide us through ALL circumstances. Stay encouraged and remember that every one of our trials has a purpose. God may be using the trial you are in to refine you.
But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold. Job 23:10
Consistent prayer brings peace, and it gives us the strength to press forward. When we talk to God in prayer, it reminds us we aren't facing our problems alone. When we realize He's with us, it allows us to give Him thanks in ALL circumstances, even those difficult ones.
Reflecting on our past trials reminds us to thank God for guiding us through them. Our former trials are like spiritual monuments that reveal God was in charge of the outcome. Our previous trials eventually ended, and the one we're in now will too. We can rejoice because when it ends, our relationship with Jesus will be stronger!
The recipe for enduring trials found in 1 Thessalonians 5 has sustained me through many of my trials. I can't say enduring those trials was easy, but I can say the Lord was always guiding me through them. Every one of my trials stretched me, but they also deepened my relationship with Christ.
Instead of getting discouraged, the next time you are in a trial, imagine that Jesus is holding your hand because He is.