The Christian life is one that is often tested by fire. And like gold put through a refinement process, our faith when heated through trials, often produces a more genuine faith within us. Peter reminds his readers that while there is plenty of trouble to go around in this world, our pain can only go so deep. Whether you are going through the fire of suffering for your faith or struggling through a fallen world, we are to respond differently as followers of Christ. It isn’t enough for us to simply trudge through every day, nor is it beneficial to simply paste a smile on our faces and ignore the troubles. Instead, Peter shows us how to persevere through trouble, recognizing its temporary presence in our lives.