"In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ." 1 Peter 1:6-7

Though the Bible repeatedly tells us to rejoice in our trials, most of us find it very difficult to do. Personally, I admit, to rejoice is not my usual reaction when a trial begins in my life. In fact I often initially act as if it is a foreign thing. But Jesus told us that we would suffer trials and persecution if we followed Him. The Apostles tell us that when we experience trials we are only sharing in the sufferings of Jesus and will also share in His glory.

Trials and troubles are a reality of life whether you are a Christian or not. For us Christians trials are an opportunity to prove our faith. God never tempts us, that is the devil’s job. But God does test us by allowing trials in our lives. The difference between temptation and testing can be understood best in the goal of each. God will test you in a trial giving you the strength to overcome and succeed, while the devil will tempt you in a trial wanting you to lose your faith and fail.

If you live in the present more than in the future trials can make you bitter rather than better. Outlook determines outcome, so to end with joy you must begin with joy. Your values will determine your evaluations. If you value comfort more than character you will never see the value of the trial. If you value the physical and material you will find it difficult to count a trial as a joy. Though they can seem unbearable at times, trials do work for us not against us. It is God’s way to bring out the best in us. Let us put our faith in God and strive to not allow trouble to trouble us.