Why does God allow His children to suffer trials? In 1 Peter 1, the apostle writes to suffering believers, reminding them that this world is not their home. In this sermon, Dr. Toby Holt brings encouragement for Christians facing hardships and trials.

Questions this sermon answers:

1. What did Peter say to the suffering? That their trials are temporary, and that a living hope and an imperishable inheritance await them in Christ.

2. Why does God allow testing? To prove and refine genuine faith — like gold tested by fire — so that it results in praise and glory at Christ's appearing.

3. How can we be sure our story ends well? Because our hope rests not in this "valley," but in the risen Christ who guarantees our future.

"...now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith... may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ." — 1 Peter 1:6-7 (NKJV)

Dr. Toby Holt is President of New Geneva Theological Seminary, and his sermons have been downloaded more than 1.9 million times on SermonAudio. Find more verse-by-verse Bible teaching at newgeneva.org; support this ministry at newgeneva.org/give.