In the Midst of Testing and Trial, This Is What You Need to Do

The View From Above: Thoughts to Help With Everyday Life

August 5, 2026

Pastor Paul Stephens

In the Midst of Testing and Trial, This Is What You Need to Do

We are going to go through trials and testing in life.

That means sometimes they last—and they can last a long time.

We want them to end quickly, but they don’t always.

The trials we go through can stretch out over a whole season of our lives.

The story of Hannah is told in 1 Samuel Chapter 1. She endured years of barrenness until finally a miracle came and she gave birth to a son.

King David endured constant pressure from enemies. Then there was the betrayal of his son Absalom, when David had to flee Jerusalem.

Jesus endured the constant pressure of rejection and persecution, and then the greatest trial of all—the cross.

People go through financial crises.

There are crises with children who are backslidden.

Pressures seem to come at us from every direction.

Marriages struggle under the weight of offense and sometimes sin.

People are struck with tragedy and loss.

These are trials that can last.

So, what do you do?

Scripture Focus

Psalm 40:1–2

“I waited patiently for the LORD; And He inclined to me, And heard my cry. He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, Out of the miry clay, And set my feet upon a rock, And established my steps.”

We do one thing:

WAIT…and wait PATIENTLY!

That doesn’t mean doing nothing.

The word carries the idea of looking eagerly for.

Simply said:

KEEP YOUR EYES ON JESUS.

Trials can distract us.

Don’t let that happen.

Keep praying.

Continue in obedience.

Continue loving God.

Keep your heart right, and don’t allow the negative circumstances of a trial to define you.

Then look at everything God does in the Scripture:

He INCLINED.

He HEARD.

He BROUGHT ME UP.

He SET MY FEET.

He ESTABLISHED MY STEPS.

Never underestimate what God may be doing right now—things you may not even be aware of—to help you, stabilize you, keep you, and preserve you.

You may be waiting, but God is working.

In the midst of testing and trial, this is what you need to do:

NEVER, EVER TAKE YOUR EYES OFF JESUS!

Scripture Focus

Psalm 141:8

“But my eyes are upon You, O GOD the Lord; In You I take refuge…”

Today’s Challenge

Whatever trial you are facing today, don’t allow it to become bigger in your vision than Jesus.

Wait patiently.

Keep praying.

Keep obeying.

Keep your heart right.

And above everything else, keep your eyes on Jesus.

You may not yet see everything God is doing, but He hears your cry, He is working on your behalf, and He will establish your steps.