Try This When You’re Being Tried — 1 and 2 Peter

Come, Follow Me: New Testament 2023 (November 20—26)

Paul’s last teachings, written in 1 and 2 Peter, repeatedly remind us that the plan of this life is to be tested, tried, proved. Life’s trials are how we learn and grow to become like Christ and our heavenly parents. Only with this view can we find joy and peace from times of trouble. 

“That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. Whom having not seen, ye love in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory. Receiving the end of your faith even the salvation of your souls” (1 Peter 1:7-9).

“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy” (1 Peter 4:13, 14).

It makes sense then, to look for the lesson in each trial. Arthur C. Brooks offers a helpful technique. As you go through a painful experience, write it down. Leave space on the page for you to come back in a month and write what you learned from that difficult time. Then after six months, come back again and write what positives came from it. This practice is one way we can find joy and peace from times of trouble.

“Sometimes we will face things for which there is no earthly explanation. In those moments we need to erect a sign that reads, ‘Quiet: God at Work.’ Meanwhile, hold on, child of God. Keep believing. Don’t quit. Don’t give up. Let God do His work in you. The greatest tragedy is to miss what God wants to teach us through our troubles.” (Ray Pritchard, Why Did This Happen to Me? (2003), 57, quoted by Bradley Foster in March 2014 Ensign.)