When life wears you down and hardship presses in, God has not abandoned you. Drawing from 1 Peter 4 and 5, Pastor Chris explains how trials, pressure, and spiritual opposition become places where God strengthens your faith and shapes your character. This message helps you see that what feels crushing may actually be God’s way of planting you so that you grow deeper in him. Link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/181996751. PREPARE for the Pressure of Trials
1 Peter 4:12-13
Trials are part of the Christian life, not interruptions. God uses them to refine your faith and help you share in the sufferings of Christ so that you may also share in his glory.2. PRAISE Christ in the Pain
1 Peter 4:14-16
When faithfulness leads to discomfort or criticism, Scripture says you are blessed. Praising Christ in painful seasons shifts your focus from your struggle to his worth.3. PLACE Your Life in God’s Hands
1 Peter 4:17-19
God begins his refining work with his own people. Trusting him means continuing to do what is right even when circumstances remain difficult.4. POUR Out Your Cares before Him
1 Peter 5:6-7
God invites you to bring every anxiety to him. Casting your cares on the Lord is an act of humble surrender, trusting that he truly cares for you.5. PROTECT Your Heart against the Enemy and Persevere in Grace
1 Peter 5:8-11
You have a real spiritual enemy who seeks to wear you down. Stay alert, resist his lies, and stand firm. God promises that after you have suffered for a little while, he will restore, support, strengthen, and establish you.Personal Stories from Pastor Chris:
Pastor Chris shares the true account of Alexander Selkirk, the sailor marooned alone on an island for four years. Selkirk learned that his greatest battle was not storms or hunger but discouragement. That season shaped him rather than breaking him, offering a picture of how God forms perseverance during times that feel lonely or overwhelming.Notable Quotes:
Sometimes it feels like you are getting buried when really you are getting planted.
It glorifies the Lord when you worship and serve him when it is not convenient, not comfortable, and not easy.Actionable Takeaways:Reflect on where discouragement is wearing you down and ask God to use this season to strengthen you.
Respond to one difficult circumstance this week with praise instead of frustration.
Humble yourself before the Lord and intentionally cast specific anxieties on him in prayer.
Reach out to someone who is struggling and encourage them so neither of you walks alone.Scripture References:
1 Peter 4 and 5, Romans 8, Philippians 3, Daniel 3, Psalm 119, 1 John 1 and 3.Keywords:
perseverance, trials, suffering, faith, discouragement, endurance, spiritual battle, trust, hope, Christian lifeChallenge:
Ask the Lord to help you persevere when you feel worn down and take one faithful step forward this week, trusting his purpose in your struggle.25.1116de The WELL Faith Podcast shares practical, Bible-based messages from Pastor Chris Teien to help you worship, encourage, learn, and love in everyday life. A new message is released every Sunday. Episodes marked with an asterisk (*) are replay episodes from previous years. Find resources at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell.Church in Virginia, MN, and follow and review the podcast on your favorite listening platform.
