All Kinds Of Trials

In this devotional, we are journeying through the book of 1 Peter to understand suffering and its purpose in our lives. This topic can feel like the 'fine print' of life, the parts that are glossed over, barely talked about, and often misunderstood. We want to help shine a light on this area of life and see how the scriptures reveal how to walk through suffering. We see that in this letter, Peter is telling an already persecuted people scattered throughout the provinces (1 Peter 1:1) why they are suffering for Christ. The language is not "if you suffer" but more "when you suffer."

I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth, you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart because I have overcome the world.' John 16:33

While we are on the planet, we will have 'many trials and sorrows.’ But God did not create a world of suffering. It was not the intention of God. Genesis 1:31: God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. Our suffering is unjust. It is a product of the fall and a consequence of human sin against God (Genesis 3). Jesus redeemed our suffering and is redeeming our suffering. Some suffering is a result of our own bad decisions, but not all suffering is a result of your personal sin, rather the brokenness of creation. There are some key things to remember when you walk through suffering.

1. Humility Is Found in Suffering (proven genuineness of your faith 1 Peter 1:7)

Suffering reorients us to the place of our actual jurisdiction. It reminds us that in this life, many things are out of our control. Peter says that suffering has a goal, and it's worth more than gold; it is the genuineness of your faith to bring praise, glory and honor to Jesus. As we go through trials and persecution, we must remember the goal. It's not about personal comfort but being refined by fire, bringing greater faith in our lives and greater glory to Jesus.

We can seek to avoid suffering but still find out life is somewhat out of our control. This realization brings us to greater humility.

2. We Do it Together ( 1Peter 1:1-3)

The key to the suffering found in 1 Peter is located in the letter's context. 1 Peter 1 is all about the community of God: God and Father, a new birth into a living hope, an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade. Where he writes about the inheritance in heaven, Peter is telling a "dispersed" community to know that they have a family. When you are suffering, it is essential to remind yourself that you are born again into a new family with eternal promises and an inheritance that does not perish or fade. We are in a spiritual house (1 Peter 2:4-10) that fits together and shares one another's burdens, and we are called to walk together through suffering.

Prayer Point: Father, I thank you that you are with me through the trials and suffering of life. I pray that you would open my eyes to see the goal of persecution and suffering and align my heart to yours in proving the genuineness of my faith. I pray that I would walk together with the family of God through my own suffering and help others in their journey.