Peter wrote his first letter to the believers scattered throughout what today is Northern Turkey. The letter was penned in late AD 64 or early 65. During that time, believers in Rome were experiencing intense persecution. It is probable that Peter was in Rome, watching the persecution firsthand. Normally the physical mistreatment of believers started in the larger cities, then spread through the countryside. Peter warned his readers that “now for a little while,” they may have to suffer. But like fire refines gold, so trial refines faith.

1 Peter 1:6-7
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.

It’s true, isn’t it? I wish it weren’t the case, but there is no way of getting around the refining experience of trials. They cause us to refocus on what is important. They turn our trust to the only One who can provide encouragement and strength. Trials grow us like nothing else.

Someone has said that suffering does one of two things. It either makes us bitter or better. Certainly, there are times of questioning and asking, “Why?” No one is exempt from the grief and despair of loss. But through the suffering process, the true believer turns to God and moves forward stronger than ever before. Faith proved genuine by suffering results in praise, glory, and honor.

Father, bring encouragement into the heart of the person suffering today. Keep them close to you. Help them to rejoice not because of their suffering but because of the growth and strength that results from it. Remind them that you never waste a believer’s time. What they are going through today, you will use tomorrow. In Jesus’ name. Amen.