Embracing Trials: Trusting God’s Goodness and Sovereignty

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

Bible Reading

1 Peter 4:12-19 (ESV) — 12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.
13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.
14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.
15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler.
16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.
17 For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?
18 And “If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”
19 Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.

Romans 8:28 (ESV) — And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Luke 6:22-23 (ESV) — 22 “Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man!
23 Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets.”

Observation Questions

1. According to 1 Peter 4:12, what attitude does Peter say we should have when we face “fiery trials”?
2. In verse 13, what does Peter say is the reason we can rejoice when we share in Christ’s sufferings?
3. What warning does Peter give in verse 15 about the source of our suffering?
4. In the sermon, what are some examples given of suffering for Christ versus suffering for our own wrongdoing? [[51:53]]

Interpretation Questions

1. Why does Peter say we should not be surprised by trials, especially as followers of Jesus? How does this challenge the way we usually react to hardship? [[34:57]]
2. The sermon says suffering for Christ is a privilege, not a punishment. Why might identifying with Christ in suffering be a source of joy, even when it’s hard? [[42:44]]
3. What does it mean to “entrust your soul to a faithful Creator” when you don’t understand what God is doing? How is this different from just giving up or being passive? [[01:04:05]]
4. How can we tell the difference between suffering for righteousness’ sake and suffering because of our own choices or sin? [[51:53]]

Application Questions

1. The sermon says we should “expect trials” as part of following Jesus. Looking at your own life, do you tend to be surprised or discouraged when hard things happen? How might expecting trials change your response? [[34:57]]
2. Peter calls us to “embrace” trials, not just endure them. What would it look like for you to embrace a current hardship as an opportunity to identify with Christ? Is there a specific situation where you can practice this? [[36:46]]
3. The pastor shared that not all suffering is for Christ—sometimes it’s because of our own actions. Is there a hardship in your life right now that you need to honestly examine to see if it’s the result of your own choices? What would repentance look like if that’s the case? [[51:53]]
4. When you’re in pain or confused by what God is doing, how do you usually respond? What would it look like to actively “entrust yourself to a faithful Creator” this week? [[01:04:05]]
5. The sermon encourages us to remind ourselves of God’s goodness, even when circumstances are not good. What is one practical way you can remind yourself daily that “God is good,” especially during a tough season? [[01:08:39]]
6. The pastor said, “We must learn to live in the now without living for the now.” Are there areas in your life where you are too focused on temporary pain or comfort? How can you shift your focus to God’s eternal perspective? [[01:03:16]]
7. Think about a time when you felt God’s presence or strength most clearly during a trial. How did that experience shape your faith? How can you encourage someone else who is suffering right now with what you learned? [[46:21]]