It has been a long couple of weeks for several families in our church body. We bear one another’s burdens well. And so, we also feel a portion of their pain. How should we as believers walk through these trials? As we cry alongside our loved ones, we often wonder why God allows such things to happen. In truth, for many things, we may never understand. For God is far above us. However, in 1 Peter 1, he does address, in part, this question and how believers should respond.

1 Peter 1:6-9 – In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

In verses 3-5, Peter reminds us that as believers we have an eternal hope in heaven. So we rejoice in that hope. Yet, while we rejoice in that coming hope, the existence of present trials is very real. As a believer, you are not promised your best life in this world. We “have been grieved by various trials.” Some trials are merely annoying, but others are extremely difficult. We must understand that God does not expect us to deny our suffering or somehow pretend it is without pain. It is called suffering for a reason. Trials are a part of life God has placed into our lives to prepare us for eternity and to declare His glory.

Peter then informs us that we can rejoice in challenging times because our trials are temporary. You see, these trials are controlled by God and will not extend into eternal glory. They are designed as a temporary experience that drives us to God. God uses trials to humble us (Deut. 8:3; 2 Cor. 12:7-10). God uses trials to wean us away from this world and point us to eternity (John 16:33; Rev 14:13). God uses trials to teach us to value God’s blessing (1 Pet 4:13; Rom 8:17-18). And God uses trials to allow believers to help one another (2 Cor. 1:3-7; Heb. 13:3).

However, most importantly, God uses trials to refine us. When we face trials, they purify our faith, demonstrating its genuineness to us and the world. And the faith that is proved genuine will receive the eternal reward of heaven. We will come to the finish line of life and hear God say, “Well done!” A faith that cannot be tested is a faith that cannot be trusted. Instead, this genuine faith results in praise, honor, and glory. And in the end, these trials point to Christ.

Thus, it is vital in the middle of trials to speak the truth to ourselves. We must remind ourselves of our God and our faith. As the Psalmist stated in Psalm 43:5, “Soul, why are you downcast? Hope in God!” We must bear one another’s burdens. And we must point to Christ. These give trials purpose.