Growing Through What You’re Going Through

Growing Through What You’re Going Through

Text: 1 Peter 4:12–14 KJV

12.Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:

13.But rejoice, inasmuch as you are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, you may be glad also with exceeding joy.

14.If you be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are you; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you:

Illustration

The Chinese Bamboo Tree is one of the most fascinating plants in the world. When you plant its seed, nothing happens for the first year. You water it, fertilize it, tend to it—but no growth appears. The second year passes, then the third, then the fourth—still nothing above ground.

But in the fifth year, something miraculous happens. Within just five weeks, the bamboo shoots up to nearly 90 feet tall.

Here’s the question: Did it grow 90 feet in five weeks? Or did it grow 90 feet in five years? The truth is—it was growing all along. It was just developing roots. Those deep roots were necessary to sustain its rapid growth once it finally broke through the surface.

Sometimes, like that bamboo tree, God allows us to go through seasons of delay, disappointment, and difficulty. It feels like nothing is happening. But in reality, God is growing our roots of faith, endurance, and dependence on Him. Then, when the time is right, He brings forth visible growth that everyone can see.

Church, don’t despise the season you’re in. What looks like a fiery trial today is really God’s way of planting deep roots for your tomorrow. You’re not just going through it—you’re growing through it.

Introduction:

Church, when Peter wrote this letter, the early Christians were living in a world that didn’t understand them and often hated them. They were scattered across regions Asia Minor, far from home, often alone, and under constant pressure from their families, neighbors, and rulers.

At that time, persecution was rising under Emperor Nero. Christians were slandered, ostracized, and even threatened with death because of their faith in Jesus. Peter called these trials “fiery” for a reason—they were intense, life-shaping, and in some cases, literally dangerous.

But Peter’s message to them—and to us—is this: don’t be surprised by suffering. Don’t think it’s a mistake or that God has abandoned you. Trials are God’s tool to grow your faith, sharpen your focus, and reveal His glory.

Just as the Chinese bamboo tree. You plant its seed, and for years it shows no growth. You water it, fertilize it, tend to it—but nothing seems to happen. Then, suddenly, within weeks, it shoots up to 90 feet tall. Did it grow overnight? No. It was growing all along—underground, developing roots strong enough to support that spectacular growth.

Church, trials work the same way. Sometimes it feels like nothing is happening, like God is silent or distant. But He is at work—building your faith, shaping your focus, and preparing you for the growth you cannot yet see.

Peter reminds us: trials are not meant to break us, but to develop us. Our challenge is this:

Transition:

Will we merely go through what we’re going through, or will we grow through it?

Trials will either make us bitter or better, weaker or stronger, smaller or greater.

Today, we will discover how to grow through our trials by focusing on a few truths from this passage: 1. The Purpose of Our Trials (v.12)

“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you…

Your pain is not pointless—it’s preparation.

Notice the careful choice of words. Peter is addressing believers—not unbelievers. This passage is not a call to fear, but a call to understand the purpose and plan of God in trials. The Greek word “strange” carries the sense of “being surprised or unsettled.” “to be astonished, shocked.

” Peter tells us: do not be unsettled when suffering comes. Trials are not a sign of God’s absence, but evidence that we are living faithfully in a fallen world.

He is telling Christians not to be shocked or disoriented when fiery trials come.

Trials are not random. They have a divine purpose.

Peter reminds us that our trials have purpose. They are not random accidents but divine appointments.

Peter said, “Think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you.” When you think about it, there are a number of things we should not consider to be strange. * Think It Not Strange.…

* Think it not strange when Problems afflict you like burning embers that spark from a blazing campfire. * Think it not strange when your Prayers are answered by a faithful Savior who is as faithful as the hen that cares for her chicks, or the bear that cares for her cubs. * Think it not strange when in your trials, the Peace of God rules in your heart like a serene, steadfast, sentry that stands his post when facing the assault of an approaching army. * Think it not strange when the Provision of God graces your home like cool drops of rain on a hot summer day.

1. The Purpose of Our Trials (v.12)

• a. To Strengthen Our Faith –

Like gold refined in fire (1 Peter 1:7 “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:”

trials test and strengthen what we believe. Your faith grows strongest in the furnace of affliction.

A silversmith once explained that he knew the silver was ready when he could see his reflection in it. The fire had burned away every impurity.

👉 God allows us to go through fiery trials until He can see His reflection in us. Don’t despise the fire—it’s proof that He’s making you more like Him.

Trials are not only for strengthening our faith—they also serve,,

• b. To Shape Our Focus –

Trials redirect our eyes from the problem to the Promise Keeper.”

1. Trials refocus us on God’s sovereignty – We learn that we are not in control, but God is.

• Proverbs 3:5–6 – “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.”

2. Trials refocus us on God’s promises – In suffering, we cling more tightly to His Word.

• Romans 15:4 – “…that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.”

3. Trials refocus us on God’s presence – When life grows dark, His presence shines brighter.

• Isaiah 41:10 – “Fear thou not; for I am with thee…” 1. The Purpose of Our Trials (v.12)

• a. To Strengthen Our Faith –

• b. To Shape Our Focus –

• c. To Stretch Our Fortitude –

Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:

Comfort doesn’t build endurance; resistance does. Every trial stretches our spiritual muscles for the work ahead.

📌 Application: Don’t curse your crisis. Instead, see it as God’s training ground for tomorrow’s testimony.

When you read God’s Word, you will discover that ever since the beginning of time, God’s people have had their ‘fiery trials’ which have helped to mold and shape their spiritual lives and destinies.

Noah had his flood.

Abraham had his nephew Lot…

Jacob had his Peniel…

Joseph had his Egyptian prison…

Moses had his Red Sea..

Joshua had his Jericho walls…

Gideon had his Midianite army…

David had his giant Goliath…

Elijah had his Mt. Carmel…

Nehemiah had his Sanballat.

Mordecai had his Haman…

Jonah had his big fish.

Jeremiah had his dungeon…

Stephan had his angry mob…

Paul had his thorn. |

And, John had his Isle of Patmos. And since then, every child of God has had their ‘fiery trial’ that tested their relationship with God...to see whether they would remain faithful to God or not. Some trials have lasted for only a short time...and yet others have lasted for a life time.

None of us enjoy encountering and dealing with difficult and persistent problems, yet every Christian needs to realize that are great benefits to be gained by facing troubles and ..for it’s not in the good times, nor the pleasant times, the happy times that we learn life’s greatest lessons.

Rather it’s through our daily troubles and our trials. It is then…

...that we realize the greatness of our awesome God…

...that we develop our confidence in our trustworthy God…

...that we learn the value as well as the importance of trusting God…

And, it is through our troubles and trials. ...that we begin to understand just how faithful our God is.

As the polishing wheel gives the diamond it’s value...so trials give beauty to the child of God…

As the surgeons knife cuts away the diseased flesh...so trials help remove those things in our life which dishonor God…

As the boiling water brings out the flavor of the tea...so our trials bring out the spiritual beauty in us…

Psalm 34:19 “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.”

2 Corinthians 4:7-9 “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. We are hard pressed on every side, Yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair, persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.”

Trials are not strange interruptions in the believer’s life; they are sacred instruments God uses to grow us in faith, focus, and glory.” Not only we see,

1. The Purpose of Our Trials (v.12)

2. The Privilege of Our Testing (v.13)

, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings;

• a. We Share in Christ’s Sufferings –

When we endure trials for righteousness, we walk with Him in His suffering. We are never alone

Look at that word partaker. The word partaker means partner with Christ’s suffering, and it literally means, it’s the Greek word koinea, which means a partnership that leads to a fellowship. It means a common sharing.

You become a partaker of Christ’s fellowship. That’s what the apostle Paul said. “Oh, that I may know Him and the fellowship of His suffering.”

The Lord is with us when we suffer for Him, too.

* Isaiah 41:10—Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. * Isaiah 43:2—When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

Not 0nly,

• a. We Share in Christ’s Sufferings –

• b. We Shall Rejoice in His Glory –

But rejoice, that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

When Peter said, “Rejoice,” he wasn’t talking about a tiny little smile. No not at all. This word is from the Greek word chairo which means “to rejoice, calmly happy, glad, or cheerful; to thrive.” It is in the imperative mood which means it is a command.

These folks Peter was writing to were without doubt going through some real tough times… but in the midst of their tears...and their fears...the Apostle encouraged them to rejoice’...!

• James said: “Count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience”

• Paul said: “Our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory”

• Jesus said: “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world”

One of the greatest lessons a Christian can learn in their walk the Lord...is that there is always something to rejoice ..regardless of their situation.

..no matter how intense the suffering may be…

.. no matter how strong the opposition may be…

...no matter how terrible the crises may be…

...no matter how tough the times may be…

..no matter how rough the road may be..

...no matter how weak the body may be…

...no matter how frustration the job may be…

..no matter how dark the night may be…

..no matter how disappointing the situation may be..

.no matter how stubborn the problem may be…

_there is always something we can...and we should...rejoice over...

We can rejoice…

..because we know that all things will work out for our and for the glory of God… (Romans 8:28)

.because we know that greater is He that is in us than is in the world… (1 John 4:4)

..because we know that our God shall supply all our need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus…

...because we know that our troubles and trials will not last forever…

And, among the many other reasons we have to rejoice, we should rejoice…

Habakkuk 3:17-18 “Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines; though the labor of the olive may fail, and the fields yield no food; though the flock may be cut off from the fold, and there be no herd in the stalls-yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.”

Not only we see,

1. The Purpose of Our Trials (v.12)

2. The Privilege of Our Testing (v.13)

3. The Power of Our Triumph (v.14)

“If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you…

a. The Blessing in Our Reproach

b. The Beauty of His Rest Peter continues to encourage believers that suffer for the Lord. If we are reproached, reviled, or insulted for the name of Christ, Peter says we are blessed or happy because God’s spirit rests upon us. The word “resteth” means “to cause or permit one to cease from any movement or labor in order to recover and collect his strength; to give rest, refresh, to provide quiet, calm, patient expectation.” The Lord refreshes believers in spite of the attacks that are waged against them. The world may be repulsed by the name of Christ, but for the Christian, it is a strong tower of refuge. * The Name of Christ.… * The Name of Christ gives strength like the parched pilgrim stranded in the desert who drinks cool water from a deep well. * To those gripped by fear, the Name of Christ gives calm like the glittering moonlight that reflects its diamonds on the tranquil waters of midnight seas. * The Name of Christ gives comfort and assurance like a familiar friend in a room filled with strangers. * Like ships nestled in the peace of a hurricane’s eye, the Name of Christ helps the dying saint to find peace as they begin their journey through the valley of the shadow of death. * The Name of Christ commands authority that leaves the demons of Hell trembling like fragile buildings in a massive earthquake

happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you…

Most of us are so weak, we need more power. Somebody has well said, “Christians are like tea. Their real strength doesn’t come out until they get in hot water.”

I think that’s what Paul meant when he said in 1 Corinthians 12:10, “Therefore, I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong. When these things happen to me,” he says, “God then, when God sees me get in trouble for Him, God just pours out upon me that Spirit of God and of glory.”

Closing Hymn Suggestion

🎵 “Through It All” (Andraé Crouch)

I've had many tears and sorrows, I've had questions for tomorrow, there's been times I didn't know right from wrong. But in every situation, God gave me blessed consolation, that my trials come to only make me strong. Through it all, through it all, I've learned to trust in Jesus, I've learned to trust in God Through it all, through it all, I've learned to depend upon His Word. I've been to lots of places, I've seen a lot of faces, there's been times I felt so all alone. But in my lonely hours, yes, those precious lonely hours, Jesus lets me know that I was His own! Through it all, through it all, I've learned to trust in Jesus, I've learned to trust in God Through it all, through it all, I've learned to depend upon His Word. I thank God for the mountains, and I thank Him for the valleys, I thank Him for the storms He brought me through. For if I'd never had a problem, I wouldn't know that he could solve them, I'd never know what faith in God could do.