“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.” (1 Peter 1:6-7)
Trials are not just a result of the brokenness of this world, that we should get rid of as soon as possible. The apostle Peter says they are sometimes “necessary”. God can use trials to purify our faith and prove its genuineness. In another New Testament letter, James even states: “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (James 1:2-4). The apostle Paul says something similar: “We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope…” (Romans 5:3-4).
Peter knew what he was talking about. His own life was not easy. The life of his readers was not easy. But he focuses on the outcome of their trials, which is reason to rejoice. Their purified faith will result in praise and glory and honor, both for Jesus Christ and for believers.
Are you facing trials right now? Or have you gone through trials in the past? Have these purified your faith?