In the midst of a trial it may be natural for one to think that God does not love them, or that God is unfair. In our marriage my husband and I have been in the midst of trials where we have contemplated whether or not we were being made to suffer because of some past sin we had committed that God was punishing us for, or that God didn’t love us anymore, or that God was just downright unfair to us. However, as I was reading 1 Peter today I was reminded of the trials that Christians face and the reason for them. Peter tells us that there is great joy that lies ahead for us even though at times we may have to endure a little suffering along the way (1 Peter 1:6). Peter tells us the reason why we must endure these trials: “ These trials are only to test your faith, to show that it is strong and pure” (1 Peter 1:7, NLT).
Think back to a time when you were experiencing a trial. When you made it through to the other side did your faith pass the test? Did it prove to be “strong and pure”? Don’t worry if the answer to this question is “no.” God loves make-up tests! He will keep testing and building our faith through trials. When we fail, let’s not be too hard on ourselves because we will have another opportunity for success. When we succeed it is an amazing and overwhelming feeling of how strong our faith has become! With success we are then able to appreciate James’ statement: “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials… (James 1:2).
Peter and James knew the tremendous rewards that await us when we persevere through trials and when we allow God to transform us through them. We have the free will to give up, but trust me there’s nothing like pushing through with God’s strength and receiving the blessing of faith and endurance!
–Suzette
