"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."
We are not tried unnecessarily. Last weekend I preached a message from James 1 on being willing to suffer. I mentioned these verses in 1 Peter, but didn't consider them very deeply. As I read them now, I'm drawn to the words "if necessary." We have a living eternal hope. But in time, we face trials and they might bring us grief. We only encounter trials if they are necessary. And they are necessary. When we face trials, the sincerity of our faith is tested. When we face trials with genuine face, we praise and glorify Christ. Why? Because in the trials we learn more of Christ and perhaps are shown a bit of what he went through for us. Knowing Christ better, we are moved to give Him glory. This is precious.
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