“By God’s power [you] are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials.” – 1 Peter 1:5-6 (ESV)
Even though right now you are not suffering any affliction or trial, there are those who are. And, they are doing so for the sake of Jesus Christ in who they believe. We need to acknowledge that suffering does exist and it does hurt. Affliction is a reality in each of our lives at one time or another. Peter recognized and personally experienced many and various ways in which we can be grieved. Specifically, Peter’s first readers were burdened by mental anguish that comes from enduring hardship. Because of the gospel, Peter doesn’t have to end on a note of hopelessness and despair. Instead, he gives us promises to which we can cling. First of all, Peter reminds us that our trials last only “a little while.” Which needs to be understood in the light of eternity; even a lifetime is “a little while” compared to forever! Any current misery is not our eternal end, salvation is. Secondly, we are able to say with confidence that in every moment of suffering, God is present. He is present with His people; He knows and is perfectly able to sympathize with us when we suffer. (Hebrews 4:15)
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