…you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Notice in verse 6 it says, Though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials. That phrase “a little while” literally means a season. The King James Version says, Though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations.
I like the phrase “a little while”. That tells me the season is going to end. It is not forever. Every season ends. Winter ends. Spring ends. Summer ends. Fall ends. Every season has a beginning, and every season has an end.
If you are in a trial right now and feeling the weight of it, you are grieved because of it, I have good news. It will not be forever. Things are going to change. It may not seem like it, but that season will come to an end.
Even if you are not experiencing a trial today, I am confident you have gone through such a season, and it is likely that you will probably experience such a season again.
When you do, or if you are today, be encouraged. God’s Word wants you—and me—to remember it is for just a little while.
Keep Trusting
Peter encouraged us to see the trials we face as temporary, something that only lasts for a while. I want to point your attention to another truth that is vital to enduring through whatever trial you may be facing.
One of the critical things you and I need to do when faced with trials is continue to trust God in the midst of those trials.
No matter how difficult, do not unplug your faith, even when things get rough. Keep trusting God and His promises. Why? Well, look at what verse 5 says: We are “kept by the power of God through faith.”
When you keep your faith plugged in, you are then kept by God’s power.
That word keep means to preserve. It means to protect, to guard. It is used elsewhere in Scripture of a garrison of soldiers protecting something. When you are going through a trial, God will protect you through His power when you trust Him.
That word power is the same word in the Bible translated miracle. I take it to mean this: When you or I are in a season of trial, if God has to work a miracle to keep us and protect us, He will do it.
Whatever your trial…keep trusting.
Answers with Bayless Conley
All rights reserved. Used by permission.
All rights reserved. Used by permission.