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For exiles, trials are an expectation. Peter paints these painful moments to be temporary in light of eternity, but that doesn’t ease the sting of them in the moment. A sovereign God can use these in many ways. James 1:2-4 speaks of perseverance and steadfastness (as does Rom 5:3-4). Rom 8:28 promises God’s use of them. I Cor 10:12-13 tells us that God won’t allow us to be tempted beyond our breaking point. 2 Cor 12:9 shows that God’s grace props us up. Heb 11 is a list of those who have remained faithful against impossible odds, and in Heb 12 we’re then encouraged to let that great “crowd of witnesses” push us on toward the finish line. Lord, raise our eyes.