Even though we are set apart as Christians we still live in a world filled with sin. We go through various trials in our lives and hit different lows. During these trials we might look at ourselves and condemn ourselves for feeling defeated.  You may be going through a season where you feel lost, your loved ones are against you or you’ve caused harm on someone else. It is okay to be in this season. Pain is part of a Christians journey. God never wastes a hurt or a dark season. He uses that time to strengthen you, give you wisdom, and to draw you closer to Him. If you call out to the Lord, this may be the one of the most intimate time you’ll have with him. Your greatest ministry may arise from this dark time. Your strongest testimony may be formed during this season. It is okay to feel the pain, to be honest to God and tell him I am struggling and I need you Lord. God can do more in our lives when we come to him broken instead of trying to run away or pretend we are fine. The only way out through a difficult season is to walk through it. Like I said earlier, as christians we are set apart, not from pains or trials, but we are set apart to find joy through our trials. 

Peter says in 1 Peter 1:6-7: “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials. That the genuine of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, thought it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” 

Our joy comes from the eternal perspective. The verses before this tells us that we are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation. When Peter says “in this you greatly rejoice” he is talking about our salvation. Our glory is in Jesus. We find peace in trials through Jesus and in knowing that this trial is not going to last a lifetime and it’s not the end of us, instead it is going to define us and grow us and prepare us for what the Lord has planned for us. The only thing that is going to last a lifetime is our salvation in Jesus Christ. Through trials turn your perspective off of you and onto Him. Remember that this is just a short time compared to the plans that Jesus has on your life. Keep your eyes on the eternal prize.