Joy, Grieve And Faith In Trials/Tests

Dear Saints,

I still remember my last days of high school and college, pinching myself to say it’s over. Knowing that all those tests/exams were over was great joy. Congratulations to graduates of this year in various stages of education.

As we continue our study of Apostle Peter’s Letter to the suffering pilgrims under various trials, we see an oxymoron – joy and grieve in trials. Schooling ends in graduation or not graduating. Life itself ends in salvation or damnation. There is a choice to make. We look for Jesus, our salvation in trials.

Let’s listen to Apostle Peter:

“In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, 8 whom having not seen you love. 

Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.” 1 Peter 1:6-9.

How can we “greatly rejoice” and at the same time be “grieved” in trial? What exactly is Peter saying to these early church people? There are some keywords here – “genuineness of your faith" and "tested." This is the faith in God we have not seen and yet believe is now being tested. That is what life here and now is all about - Do I really believe God?

Do we believe in God, and do we believe God? These are two different things. We can believe in God, and even the devil believes in God. But do we believe God? The tests and trials of life come to prove whether we believe God. That is when the rubber meets the road, so to say. God is presented to us by God’s Word. Do we believe what God has said in His Word (Jesus Christ Himself, John 1:1) and what God has spoken to us by His Holy Spirit?

These tests/trials will continue throughout our lives for an ultimate result of the “praise, honor, glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” Peter further encouraged his audience in 1 Peter 4:12-19: “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.” Also, see  Apostle James saying the same in James 1:2-8.

Let us stop being surprised of trials. Easier said! Jesus already told us, “In Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33. 

Yes, we should give ourselves and others permission to grieve in trials because they are often painful. We must also rejoice to know that God has everything under His control. I tend more to the rejoicing side and sometimes, people may misunderstand me.

How do we continue in this life of unending trials/tests? Our strength must come as we look at the joy of Jesus as the source in trials/tests, “Though now you do not see Him [Jesus], yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.”

We must be “looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrew 12:2.

Oh yes, we each have our share of trials/tests. We have just come out of one with my son in the ICU. We thank God who has brought us through it. To God be the glory. What is your immediate trial/test? Believe in God but BELIEVE GOD that He will be God Almighty in your situation. 

Please, let us call on Jesus in the midst of our trials, and He will surely answer. Jesus is with us always even in our trials, so do not fear but have faith. Remember the disciples waking up Jesus when the storm hit their boat? See Mark 4:35-41. 

Saints, let’s keep going till the “revelation of Jesus Christ” at the end. We are looking for God Himself, our SALVATION. Amen. Let’s use our past and current trials to bless and encourage others. Use it to go deeper to anchor in God and plant a seed of faith in others. Please, do not waste your trials and tests. Amen.

May the grace of God abound and be sufficient for you today and forever. "Wake up" Jesus today in your trial.  Amen.

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