1 Peter - God's Purposes in Our Suffering

God is not surprised that His followers frequently suffer. In fact, we can see clearly in the Scriptures that suffering is a part of how God causes our faith to be tested and proven in the eyes of ourselves, our family and friends, our neighbors and associates, our culture, and the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms. Contrary to the doctrines that the "good" christian will not have problems, the Scripture clearly calls us to endure suffering as a byproduct of our faith, as a sign of following in the sufferings of Christ, and as a proving of our true faith.