Trials and Faith: It’s not all sunshine and roses for Christians. Followers of Christ face trials of many kinds.[1] Interestingly, Peter points out that trials enter our lives by necessity (“if necessary”). How can trials ever be deemed necessary? Because it is through hard times that God shows us whether we possess genuine faith. And proven faith is valuable, because only true faith will result in eternal salvation and glory.[2] This is why tested faith is of an inestimable and surpassing value,[3] because nothing can demonstrate the true character of our faith like trials. As iron glows bright in extreme heat; so true faith shines brightest in fiery trials. It is in the crucible of trials that God assures us that our faith is real. Hence, in the midst of trials, we have a joy “inexpressible and full of glory” and we even “consider it all joy” (Jam. 1:2).

Christ: Christian faith is centered on the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. In the midst of trials, we persevere in our faith in the Lord by trusting and loving Him. We know the Lord by faith through the Word of God, where we behold the person of Jesus Christ (even as Peter’s audience did),[4] and we love Him. While an accurate and biblical Christology is essential,[5] that is only the guardrails. The substance of our faith is a relational dependence on the Lord and affectionate love for Him (1 Cor. 16:22). He is our joy (Phil. 4:4; Ps. 16:11), our delight (Ps. 37:4), and our hope (Matt. 12:21; 1 Tim. 1:1; Tit. 2:13).

[1] Peter speaks of “various trials” which can include diverse forms of suffering: circumstantial, relational and physical. This is not persecution only (2:19-25; 3:14, 17; 4:1, 13, 16, 19; 5:9, 10), but trials in general.

[2] Peter describes eternal destiny of believers as “praise and glory and honor” (1:7). This is eternal glory, the salvation of our souls, which is the outcome of our faith (1:9).

[3] Proven faith outvalues even smelted and refined gold, as Peter points out in 1:7.

[4] Cf. 1:25; Acts 5:42; 8:35; 11:20; 17:18; 19:13; 1 Cor. 2:2; 15:22; 2 Cor. 1:19; 4:5; 11:4.

[5] The object of our faith is the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 16:31), not only the doctrines about Him.