Peter says “...concerning the fiery trial which is to try you.” "Fiery" literally means a burning, the word used here refers to a smelting furnace where gold and silver are purified. What a perfect description of what going through fiery trials does to us. It is a purifying experience. Picture this; refining gold from the ore involves a process in which the ore is “tried” or melted in order to separate pure gold from the other elements. It is a very complex process where all the impurities are removed. Peter tells us here that it is a fiery trial that is to try you. So seeing what the true meaning of the word here is, it helps us see that it is a refining process rather than divine judgment. It is going to strengthen our faith as we lean on Jesus Christ. Peter creates no illusions for Christians under his care. God's plan for your life often, but not always, includes pain and hardship. When trouble comes we are not to be surprised, he writes, it's normal. As we suffer for Christ’s sake, our lives will be refined and our faith strengthened. Now, the word "happened" here in verse twelve is important; it means "to go together." Persecution and trials do not just "happen," in the sense of being accidents. They are a part of God's plan, and He is in control. Nothing is out of God’s sphere. Trusting God for the details of our lives.
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