The trials we face are different from the trials that another will face. All trials test us in a sense because they can be tools to adjust our faith in God or draw us further in opposition of Him.

The trials that we all face come in many forms like disease, poverty, emotional distress, relationship conflict, stress, and may be compounded by severity or an unexpected suddenness.

However, there is one thing about trials that we would all do well to keep in mind and it’s a principle stated in 1 Corinthians 10:13 which says, “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it” (NIV).

The Greek word used for “temptation” is peirasmos and it also means “trial.” So 1 Corinthians 10:13 could also be translated that no trial has befallen us that is not common to mankind. In actuality, both a temptation and a trial can have the same impact upon us in terms of strengthening of our faith, but the point is that neither are unique to the human experience.

It helps us cope and process the experience of our trials when we can find those who have navigated the same paths. If our trial is a cancer journey we’ll find talking to others who have been there helpful to our own enduring of that trial. The same is true if our trial is a death of a loved one or an estranged child or a loss of employment. It helps to hear other’s stories and learn how they came through it.

It is also helps to keep in mind that in your trial “God is faithful” and He does not leave you to struggle through it on your own. 1 Corinthians 10:13 adds that God knows what “you can bear” and “he will also provide a way out.”

So though your trials may be different than what others must bear, God is the same to all who seek Him and welcome His help in coping through them.