1st Peter 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 Wherein you greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, you are in heaviness through manifold temptations.
The Bible tells us that each and every Christian will have his or her cross to bear, in the form of the trial of our faith. None is exempted, and you do not get a pass just because you preach, do Bible studies, or give out steps to Christ at the corner store. Faith that is not tested cannot be depended upon in times of real danger, and therefore, the Christian in our day must be taken through the various paces so that sterling character, and spiritual maturity might be developed and sealed for eternity on the various levels.
If this isn’t the case then the easy-going Christianity that so many folks have become accustomed to, will buckle under pressure, and at those times when our faith should be shining radiantly, flaws and cracks in our characters would appear, and this could greatly embarrass the kingdom of God. This is what took place when Peter blurted out his unbecoming words under pressure, for it revealed in the public square, that there was major work still to be done in his character.
Jesus was trying to prevent the embarrassing moment when He cautioned Peter to watch and pray, but Jesus’ entreaties fell on deaf ears. It is not the will of God, that the devil should shake down the saints in public, and bring dishonor to the kingdom of God. Hence the reason why God tries to train His servants day by day, so that when prime time comes around, they would be found ready. If Peter had watched and prayed, as Jesus beckoned him to, he would have been victorious in the public square.
1st Peter 1:7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perishes, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.
May God add His blessing to the study of His word. “Good night” and God bless!