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So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. 7 These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. --- 1 Peter 1:6-7 NLT Peter mentions trials and suffering several times in this letter: 1:6-7; 3:13-17; 4:12-19; 5:9. All believers face such trials when they let their light shine into the darkness. We must accept trials as part of the refining process that burns away impurities and prepares us to meet Christ. As gold is heated, impurities float to the top and can be skimmed off. Likewise, our trials, struggles, and persecutions refine and strengthen our faith, making us useful to God. Instead of asking, “Why me?” (1) Confidence that God knows, plans, and directs our lives for the good. It's hard to calculate sometimes, but God always provides his love and strength for us. God leads us toward a better future. (2) Perseverance when facing grief, anger, sorrow, and pain. We express our grief, but we don’t give in to bitterness and despair. (3) Courage because with Jesus as Brother and Savior, we need not be afraid. He who suffered for us will not abandon us, Jesus carries us through everything. --- Life Application Study Bible notes PRAYER Dear Lord, Help me remember that the trials refine my faith and attitude. Teach me to hang on to this truth so that I don’t lose faith in times of trouble. May I keep the same attitude through trials and through blessings. I trust that, if needed, You will part the ocean to make a way for me. Lead me to live not by sight but by faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen