July 22nd, 25: When Trials Come: Trusting God Through Fear, Waiting, and Hope

Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible, where we journey together through the pages of Scripture, seeking strength and hope for our everyday lives. On this July 22nd, host Hunter invites us to reflect on seasons of trial and joy as we read from Isaiah 36–37, Psalm 76, and 1 Peter 1. In today’s episode, we witness King Hezekiah’s steadfast trust in God amidst threatening odds, hear the psalmist celebrate God’s mighty power and deliverance, and receive encouragement from Peter to hold onto hope even through life’s hardest challenges. Hunter gently reminds us that, while trials are certain and seasons of struggle inevitable, God’s faithfulness sustains us—and joy awaits beyond the hardship. So whether you’re feeling downcast or rejoicing, let’s open our hearts, lean into God’s love, and discover the strength and peace only He can give.

TODAY'S DEVOTION:

There are trials ahead, but there is strength for the trial—and even joy beyond that. First Peter 1:6 says, “So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while.” Trials are certain. And sometimes the “little while” doesn’t seem that little.

We all go through trials. No one is exempt. We all face hard times. Really hard times. We’ve all gone through a pandemic, for crying out loud! And yet, our hope lies in the promise of hope—and even joy beyond that. For many of us, the trials of this life can lead to despair and defeat. The walls of our souls begin to crumble under the weight. Hezekiah was tempted to crumble in fear and defeat. He could see the circumstances and the outcomes: all those other kingdoms had crumbled when facing the overwhelming terror of the Assyrian king and his armies.

But instead of crumbling, Hezekiah turned to God. He didn’t go to Egypt for help or try to manipulate his way out by surrendering or offering some tribute. He didn’t give in to despair. No, instead he trusted God, and God gave him the victory. But that victory took some time. Isaiah told him that it would take three years, but to hold on because there would be joy ahead. He let him know that the first year would be hard, very lean—the people would eat only what grows up by itself. The second year, it would get a little easier; they would eat what sprang up from the first growth. But in the third year, they would see a breakthrough. They would plant crops, harvest them, tend vineyards, and eat their fruit. Those who escaped the ravages of the siege, who endured the hard times and had gone through the trials, would put roots down in their own soil. They would grow and flourish there.

We are all going to go through hard times, but there is strength available in the trials—and beyond that, there is joy. It may take some time—a season or several seasons—but if we lay out our hearts before God and trust Him, we can find the strength we need. If we believe Him that these trials are for a season, then we can find joy. Our roots will grow down into the soil of His faithfulness, and we will flourish.

That’s the prayer that I have for my own soul. That’s the prayer that I have for my family, for my wife, my daughters, and my son. And that’s a prayer I have for you. May it be so.