Peter, whose faith was tested, wrote about this subject from personal experience. After reminding his readers about the believer’s hope in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the inheritance of every Christian, and the power of God, he enlightens Christ’s followers that our faith is going to be tested for a purpose.

1. It will be just for a SEASON! (1Pet 1:6) – “Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptation.”

The word “temptation” is πειρασμός,: (pi-ras-mos’), which can mean an experiment, or a trial. It also had the meaning of probation, or best yet being tested. Lastly, it can have to do with an affliction. Do any of these definitions describe anything you are going through?

2. The tests of faith that God allows are compared to the preciousness of refined gold! (1Pet 1:7) – “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire.”

The word “trial” is δοκίμιον, (dok-im’-ee-on), which means a testing. The purpose of the testing is to prove what is genuine. Wow! While we would rather not be tested, the end result is the building of our faith and it proves its genuineness. Do you need to see if your faith is genuine?