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Seven Questions to Ask in Suffering: A Biblical Guide to Trials and Spiritual Growth
By David De Bruyn
Hope in the Valley: A Biblical Theology of Grief, Suffering, and Lament
Suffering often raises questions we wish we could ask God: Why now? Why this? Why me?
Scripture, however, frequently turns our attention in another direction—not merely toward explanations,
but toward transformation. Trials reveal what we trust, what we love, and where we seek stability,
while drawing us deeper into dependence on the Lord.
The following seven questions are meant to help believers examine their hearts biblically when facing
problems, trials, grief, or other kinds of suffering. Use them slowly. Return to them in prayer.
If helpful, journal your answers and bring them before the Lord with humility and hope.
Seven Questions to Ask in Trials
1) What is being exposed about my trust in God through this trial?
Am I panicky? Frustrated? Angry? Fearful? Do I pray or worry? Complain or give thanks?
(Proverbs 3:5–6;
Psalm 56:3)
2) What demands, rights, or expectations are being humbled by this trial?
Health? Attention from others? Independence? Frustration and anger often show that something I expected
or demanded has been denied.
(James 4:13–15)
3) What priorities or desires is God re-ordering through this trial?
Love of efficiency? Love of routine? Love of success? Desire for ease? Desire for control?
Desire for predictability?
(Matthew 6:33)
4) What might God be loosening my grip on?
What am I still grasping for, even though I can’t get it?
5) What has this trial forced me to do that I usually tend to neglect?
Pray more? Listen to God’s Word? Receive service from others? Cultivate love for God and others?
(Psalm 119:71)
6) What sinful or unhealthy responses tend to surface in me during this trial?
Murmuring? Impatience? Self-pity? Blame? Anger? Unbelief?
7) What godly characteristics are needed for this trial but are lacking in me?
Endurance? Gratitude? Patience? Humility?
(Romans 5:3–5)
Gospel Reassurance for the Suffering Believer
These questions are not meant to condemn the believer, but to invite honest fellowship with God.
Trials do not place us outside the love of Christ. They are often the very means by which our Father
conforms us to the likeness of His Son.
(Romans 8:28–29)
When our faith feels weak, we remember that Jesus Christ suffered perfectly in our place, bore our sins,
and remains a compassionate High Priest who helps us in our time of need.
(Hebrews 4:14–16)
Reflection
- Which of these questions is most difficult for you to answer right now?
- What does this trial reveal about where you tend to seek security and comfort?
- What would it look like to bring one specific fear or expectation to the Lord in prayer today?
Walking Through Trials with Hope
You are not saved by answering these questions perfectly. You are saved by Christ crucified and risen
who holds His suffering people fast. Yet God often uses trials to expose misplaced hopes so that we learn
to rest more fully in Him.
Take these questions slowly. Revisit them over time. Share them with a trusted pastor, friend, or mature
believer. And as you do, ask the Lord for grace—not merely to endure, but to endure with faith, humility,
and hope.
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