In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.
These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.
Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 3:6-9
Why is there so much suffering in the world today? That question will go largely unanswered. Certainly, as Christians we know that sin has ruined and marred just about everything. While true, that answer doesn’t always satisfy the skeptic or even the believer. I think the question we ought to ponder (since suffering is a reality), is how do I respond while suffering? Paul says that I can rejoice because as a Christian God will produce greater Christlike character in me when I do suffer. In it, I will prove the value of my faith (greater than gold), that I really am saved and a co-heir with Christ.
How am I responding to the sufferings of this life? Am I resilient and joyful?
God, I realized that I have suffered very little in this life. For that I am grateful. As my family enters a season of trial, please be very real and close to each of us. Give us faith for fear and joy and hope. Our trust is in You. Should You choose to do a miracle in healing, we would give You the praise and glory.
