Our trials are God’s strategic tools to conform our lives to His will and ways; expose hidden dross; develop the character of Christ needed to fulfill His purpose in our lives; display us before the principalities and powers. 

1 Peter 4:13 is also part of our counter attack ~ praise. It says, “But rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings…” Verse 19 is a checkpoint for our heart. It says, “Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God…” How do we suffer according to His will? One way is through humility, so that we are walking under His canopy of grace.

Passivity is pride. Faith is active. Hebrews 11:1 uses two words that are key, ‘now faith.’ Our faith for our last trial is a building block for our present trial. We go from faith to faith.