The Purpose Of Our Trials


1 Peter 4:12


Some believers like to portray their lives as perfect and carefree. 
But in reality, being a Christian isn't always easy. In fact, 
sometimes we'll experience trials that truly test our faith and 
ability to trust in God.

In today's passage, Peter refers to times of testing as "fiery 
ordeals." He says we shouldn't be surprised when hardships come our 
way. It's important to remember that God has a purpose for our trials 
and will see us through  each step of the way. But the question is, 
What purpose does God have for the trials we face?

First, the heavenly Father will sometimes use painful experiences to 
cleanse and purify His children's lives. Trials drive us to the Lord. 
Then, as  we begin to focus on Him, we start to see things from His 
perspective and often become more aware of our sin.

Second, the Lord at times allows difficulty in our life as a way of 
testing us--He might be trying our faith, endurance, or devotion 
to  Him. He uses such experiences to reveal something about our 
spiritual development and to strengthen our faith.

Third, God uses suffering to demonstrate His power to sustain us. 
When He brings you through difficult times, He glorifies Himself. In 
turn, this encourages others when they experience trials, because 
they have witnessed God's sustaining power in your life.

Ultimately, hardships strengthen our testimony. In the midst of 
adversity, we might feel overwhelmed and discouraged. But once 
the  storm has passed, we can often look back and see the Lord's 
providential hand carrying us through.