Experiencing Joy Even In Suffering

Trials and suffering are a part of life, but I don’t have to tell you that; you know it because I’m sure you’ve experienced your share of it.  Sometimes you may even suffer because you’re a follower of Jesus.  Those in the first century who read the Apostle Peter’s powerful epistle were experiencing plenty of suffering for their faith.  Peter wrote to encourage and instruct Jesus’ followers.  His inspired words give us powerful insights about how to rejoice even in our suffering! 

6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.  1 Peter 1:6-7

The trials of life prepare those who follow Jesus for the glory to come!   Even though you and I will face all kinds of suffering in this world, when we remain faithful even in those trials, it proves our faith is genuine; it’s real!   God uses our trials to draw us nearer to Him.

Job was tested in a huge way, yet his faith remained!  Jesus taught about the genuineness of faith in his parable of the sower when he spoke of some who are like seed sown on rocky soil… 21 But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.  Matthew 13:21

I read this penetrating quote from Warren Wiersbe recently:  “A faith that can not be tested can not be trusted.”   God allows trials that cause grief in our lives to refine us!

Peter says that we may suffer all kinds of trials.   What does that mean?  What is the nature of the trials that we will suffer in this world? 

It’s important that you and I understand a few vital truths about these trials.  When we do, as followers of Jesus, we can rejoice, even as we go through them, knowing there is glory on the other side!

•   Trials do not last!  6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 1 Peter 1:6.  You may say, but I feel like my whole life has been a trial.   First, recognize that feelings are not always reality; they come and go and can’t be trusted.  But even if you did endure trials throughout your life, remember, this life is but a grain of sand on the beach of eternity!   Trials are not forever.

•   Trials serve a purpose!  6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 1 Peter 1:6.   Another translation reads, if need be.  In other words the trials we face in life are not an accident; God does not waste a moment of our lives.  The trials we endure are on purpose and for a purpose.   But even as we suffer, God keeps His eye on the clock and His hand on the thermostat.  What is important is that we learn the lesson God has for us in that trial.  If we don’t, then God will reset the clock, or turn up the heat until we do.  Trials always serve a purpose! 

-    Trials cause distress!  6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.  1 Peter 1:6   Trials will cause us grief.  Trials are not easy because “easy” doesn’t change us; but hard trials will!   Jesus experienced the kind of distress, grief, heaviness Peter is referencing here at Gethsemane on the night before his crucifixion.  Peter witnessed Jesus’ grief that night.  Trials cause grief.  It’s ok to be honest about that; after all, Jesus was! 

What matters most for you and me is that these trials must not diminish our joy in life!   Christ-followers can still rejoice greatly knowing that suffering will not last.  Life, and the trials that accompany it, represent only a fraction of an inch on the endless yard stick of eternity in the Lord’s glorious presence.   We are being prepared for glory.

For much more, listen to the entire message on 1 Peter 1:2-12 by visiting www.mywatermark.org or Watermark’s Facebook and tune into the message:  Living Hope - Part 2 - Experiencing Joy Even In Suffering.