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TRIALS CAN BE TOUGH"Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls." (1 Peter 1:6-9)We find here where Peter is expressing the meaning of the Christian life. We have a glorious inheritance ahead of us. Until we head for Home one grand day, we are forever kept here by the Power of God. He says that this causes us to rejoice greatly. Well Praise God! That sure puts a godly grin on this old mug of mine.Folks, if you aren't rejoicing greatly, you haven't seen the wonder of what lies before you or you haven't seen His power that is keeping you until you see Him as He is. Yes, joy should be the distinguishing characteristic of every Christian.As we study this chapter in Peter's first epistle, it offers us a beacon of hope, underscoring the new life we possess in Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. Our trials, though plentiful and painful, are purposeful in refining our faith and bringing glory when Christ is revealed.The conclusion of the whole matter as I have experienced it is that the Christian's journey is one which is full of trials. You and I are either coming through a trial or going through one presently. If neither of those two are true right now for you, then buckle up partner, because they are coming.It goes without saying that those trials often cause grief, but they also accomplish a purpose. They fortify our faith, like precious metal is purified by fire. They burn out the impurities of our worldly ideas and misguided thoughts.So how are we supposed to be joyful in those painful trials that cause us grief? That's a great question and I trust this will be a great answer. They are serving the purpose of God. He desires to see our faith growing stronger and purer. For that certainly pleases Him (Hebrews 11;6). You and I look forward with eyes of faith to our Saviour's glorious return and realize that it is worth it. And to hear His, "Well done!" will be more than worth i!.Now, as we envision that day as our Saviour is molding and shaping each of us, we are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, even as we endure the grief of those momentary trials.You may be heading into a trial today and you may even be on edge as you read this. Well, that's good because God already knows what's ahead. Since He never leaves nor forsakes us, He will be there when you enter that trial and when you exit it as well. That right there is worth an Amen or two!Friends, none of us are strangers when it comes to trials. But be of good cheer then, for that trial will define and refine your faith. It will strengthen the whole of you, yes, your very body, soul, and spirit. It will encourage your expectancy when that day, with eyes then wide open, you'll look upon the Lord Jesus and fall into His out-stretched arms as He welcomes you to your eternal Home.