The life of an elect exile is one that includes suffering through many different trials. But suffering is not something we simply have to endure, or just get through. Suffering has a purpose. Peter encourages us by saying suffering is temporary, in light of eternity, and suffering is necessary, meaning it is to our benefit when it occurs.
Suffering tests our faith. It is the crucible we go through to see if our faith is genuine or artificial. Those who truly believe will persist when trials come, continuing to trust God in all circumstances. The only way to test the sturdiness of a structure is to place weight upon it. Trials test us by showing if we can faithfully stand up under the heaviness of suffering.
