Every believer eventually asks, “Lord, if I’m following You, why am I going through this?” In 1 Peter 4:12–13, Peter tells the church not to be surprised by the fiery trial, as though something strange were happening. Hardship can push us away from God or pull us deeper into Him.
A step of faith doesn’t protect us from the fire. Sometimes the step of faith is what brings it. Jesus said we would have tribulation in this world, then said, “Take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). We start from His victory and walk forward.
Hardship does not cancel your identity
Peter opens with “Beloved.” Their suffering hadn’t taken away their place among God’s people, and yours hasn’t taken away your place either. A trial is a test. It is not a verdict on you. Don’t let the enemy answer your “why” with lies about who God is. Let the Word answer it.
Respond honestly to the hardship
1 Peter 4:15–16 separates suffering that comes from wrongdoing from suffering as a Christian. Galatians 6:7–8 reminds us that we reap what we sow. Still, not every hardship comes from a personal failure. Some of it is part of living in a fallen world (Romans 8:20–23), and some of it is real spiritual opposition that we resist, firm in our faith (1 Peter 5:8–10). Let the Word examine you every day. Repent where you need to. If your obedience brought the opposition, stand firm and keep going.
Anchor yourself in God’s goodness
James 1:13–17 tells us God tempts no one, and that every good and perfect gift comes from a Father who does not change. The enemy can tempt you toward bitterness just as easily as toward any other sin. When you can’t explain your pain, God’s unchanging character is still your anchor.
Trust Him to redeem what hurt you
Romans 8:28–29 promises that God works all things together for good for those who love Him, and that He is shaping us into the image of His Son. About 22 years after his brothers sold him, Joseph could say, “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good” (Genesis 50:20). God’s good often unfolds over time, through restoration and forgiveness.
If you’re in a good season, be an encourager. Someone near you is going through a trial you only see part of. If you’re in the fire, ask yourself: “What would it look like to ask God both to change my situation and to reshape my response?”
A prayer for today
Father, thank You that hardship does not change who I am in You. Search my heart and show me where to repent and where to stand firm. Anchor me in Your goodness, use what has hurt me for Your purposes, and show me someone I can encourage this week. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Based on Pastor Niel Petersen’s Wednesday night message at Harvest Revival Center, November 11, 2026.
