Gladness (rejoicing) in the face of trials is possible because we see the reality of work God has done in us.
This is apparent as I reflect on Peter’s writing from his letter.
In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. ~ 1 Peter 1:6–7
Just before these verses, Peter has reminded us about how we are made new, sanctified by the Spirit, cleansed by the blood of Jesus, adopted by Him and kept by resurrection power to gain an inheritance from God made available in the Son. To know this wonderful act and the basis of our identity …this is what Peter is referring to as “this” in verse 6.
So in a trial we can greatly rejoice as a reaction because we see the work of Him reflected. Peter uses this mineral or smelting metaphor. An ore that is mined can be refined to reveal the existing identity of being gold. This is not about a change or transmutation. Trials are not about getting rid of bad stuff via some supernatural alchemy. Rather, trials can show us (and those around us) what God had already worked in us. And we can find gladness in this.
If we mistakenly view trials as a process of changing us from “dirt” into “spiritual gold,” there would be little to rejoice. The focus would be on what we are not, when it should be instead on who we are in Jesus (because of Jesus).
With this perspective we can find gladness (rejoicing) in the face of trials. During this time we see the reality of work God has done in us.
More than Mudpies 