From Breakdown to Breakthrough: God's Work in Your Trials

August 11, 2025

Have you ever noticed how often God gives people more than they can handle in the Bible? A perfect example is Daniel and the Lion’s Den. Daniel’s unwavering faith in God put him in direct conflict with King Darius’s decree. Despite the king’s command, Daniel continued to pray to God and, as a result, he was thrown into a den of lions. Yet, Daniel trusted that God would protect him. God shut the mouths of the lions, and Daniel emerged unharmed. His faith in God’s protection, even in the face of certain death, became an example of faith in a situation that he was too weak to do anything about.

The promise of Romans 8:28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose,” is a beacon of hope for many believers. This verse is often quoted to offer comfort during life’s storms, but its true depth is revealed only when we understand its full context.

Romans 8:28 is not a blanket promise that everything will turn out well for everyone. The verse specifies that God works for the good of “those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” This condition is critical. Without a heart anchored in love for God and trust in His divine plan, life’s trials can overwhelm us. Consider the story of Joseph in Genesis 37–50. Sold into slavery by his brothers, falsely accused, and imprisoned, Joseph faced trials that could have crushed him. Yet, his unwavering faith in God’s sovereignty allowed him to declare to his brothers, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives” (Genesis 50:20). Joseph’s love for God transformed betrayal and hardship into a testimony of divine purpose.

Contrast this with those who face trials without faith. Many people, lacking trust in God, are broken by life’s challenges—whether it’s the loss of a loved one, financial ruin, or chronic illness. Without a relationship with God, these trials can lead to despair. But for those who love Him, even the darkest moments can become opportunities for growth, as God weaves them into His redemptive plan.

The saying, “God never gives you more than you can handle,” is often thought to be in Scripture. It suggests that we can endure trials in our own strength. However, the Bible teaches the opposite: God often allows trials that push us beyond our human limits as a way to draw us closer to Him.

In II Corinthians 1:8–9, Paul describes a harrowing experience, “We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead”. Paul’s trial exceeded his strength, forcing him to rely on God’s power. This reliance is the heart of spiritual growth.

Consider Sarah’s story. She is a single mother diagnosed with cancer. Overwhelmed by medical bills, parenting responsibilities, and her own mortality, she felt crushed. In her desperation, she turned to God, joining a prayer group and finding strength in Psalm 46:1, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble”. Through her church community and deepening faith, Sarah discovered peace and provision—meals from friends, financial help, and a renewed sense of purpose. Her trial, far beyond her ability to handle alone, became a testimony of God’s faithfulness when she trusted Him.

When trials overwhelm us, we face a choice: to trust God or to rely on ourselves. Trusting God doesn’t guarantee an easy path, but it aligns us with His purpose. Our struggles, when surrendered to God, become opportunities for transformation. Those who turn away, attempting to navigate trials alone, often find themselves lost in bitterness or despair. But those who cling to God discover His strength and purpose.

Reflect on your own life. When have you faced a trial that felt too heavy to bear? Perhaps it was a broken relationship, a career setback, or a health crisis. Did you lean into God, trusting His promise to work for your good? Did you love Him through the struggle, finding the growth He intended? These moments, though painful, can become the cornerstone of a deeper faith, and glorify God in the amazing and miraculous victories we experience. (To learn more about Al Earley or read previous articles, see www.lagrangepres.org. You can purchase my book, My Faith Journal, at Amazon.com, a compilation of 366 articles as a daily devotional).