Life is full of unexpected trials—sometimes they come out of nowhere, like a car stopped in the middle of the interstate, and suddenly everything changes. We all face hardships, suffering, and moments that test our faith, especially as followers of Jesus in a world that often stands opposed to His name. Yet, in the midst of all this, God remains good. Not everything that happens to us is good, but God promises to work good even in the things we don’t understand or like. Our calling is to trust Him, knowing that His purposes are beyond our understanding but never beyond His power.
As we gather—whether in person or online—we proclaim together that God is good and worthy of our worship. Even when we feel unworthy, Christ has made a way for us to come into God’s presence. Whatever burdens we carry—fear, doubt, anxiety, or stress—God invites us to lay them down and experience the joy of the Lord. Authentic worship flows from truly thankful hearts, not because our circumstances are always easy, but because God is always faithful.
When trials come, the first step is to expect them. Peter reminds us not to be surprised by the “fiery ordeal” that comes for our testing. If we live for Jesus in a world that rejects Him, we can expect suffering. But Peter goes further—he calls us to embrace these trials. This doesn’t mean we enjoy suffering, but that we see it as a privilege to be identified with Christ, to share in His sufferings, and to anticipate the reward and glory that will be revealed when He returns. In our suffering, we experience the presence and power of the Spirit in ways we never could otherwise.
We must also examine our trials. Are we suffering for righteousness’ sake, or because of our own wrongdoing? Peter warns us to make sure our suffering is not the result of sin, but of standing for Christ. Finally, we are called to entrust ourselves to our faithful Creator. God may allow pain for our good, just as a loving parent allows a child to endure what is necessary for their health. The here and now is temporary, but God is always working to shift our focus to the eternal. When we can’t see, hear, or feel God, we must choose to trust Him, knowing He is working all things together for good.
Key Takeaways
- 1. Embrace the Privilege of Suffering for Christ Suffering for the name of Jesus is not a punishment, but a privilege. When we are mocked, excluded, or mistreated for our faith, we are identifying with Christ Himself. This identification should be a source of deep joy, as it aligns us with the One who suffered for us and assures us of a great reward in heaven. [42:44]
- 2. Trust God’s Eternal Perspective Over Temporary Pain God’s purposes are often hidden from our immediate view, but He is always working for our good. The trials we endure now are temporary, but God is shaping us for eternity. We must learn to live in the now without living for the now, trusting that God’s “there and then” is far greater than our present circumstances. [63:16]
- 3. Examine the Source of Your Trials Not all suffering is for righteousness’ sake. We are called to examine our lives and ensure that our hardships are not the result of our own sin or poor choices. True Christian suffering comes from standing for Christ, not from wrongdoing. This self-examination keeps our witness pure and our hearts humble before God. [51:53]
- 4. Entrust Yourself to a Faithful Creator When we cannot understand what God is doing, we must entrust ourselves to Him. God’s faithfulness is not dependent on our understanding or feelings. Even when we are in pain, He is working for our good, and we can rest in His sovereignty and love. [64:05]
- 5. Remind Yourself Continually of God’s Goodness In the midst of trials, it is vital to remind ourselves—sometimes hundreds of times a day—that God is good. Our circumstances may not be good, but God’s character never changes. Repeating this truth anchors our hearts and helps us persevere with hope. [68:39]
Youtube Chapters
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [12:40] - Thanksgiving and Worship
- [14:06] - Greeting and Announcements
- [29:48] - Story: An Unexpected Trial
- [33:44] - The Reality of Life’s Trials
- [34:57] - Building on the Basics: 1 Peter 4
- [36:46] - Embracing Trials: A New Mindset
- [39:41] - Reasons to Rejoice in Suffering
- [42:44] - The Privilege of Suffering for Christ
- [44:33] - The Promise of Christ’s Return
- [46:21] - The Presence of the Spirit in Suffering
- [50:07] - Examining the Source of Trials
- [53:04] - Historical Persecution and Perspective
- [59:17] - Entrusting Ourselves to God
- [68:39] - Reminding Ourselves of God’s Goodness
- [71:28] - Closing Prayer and Benediction