The 'opihi is a small limpet found along the rocky shoreline of the Hawaiian Islands.

Early Hawaiians enjoyed 'opihi as a tasty delicacy, just as the delicious food item still is highly prized today at lu'au and family gatherings.

But 'opihi are difficult to collect. They live in dangerous places along the roughest coastlines, where the heavy surge of the ocean crashes against the rocks.

Because of the popularity of 'opihi, the Oceanic Institute experimented with raising them commercially.

They built vats and tried to reproduce the environment of the 'opihi with rocks, plenty of algae for a healthy diet, and ocean spray. Then they "seeded" the rocks with baby 'opihi.

But the experiment was a failure.

Instead of growing into fat, luscious limpets with cone-shaped shells, those 'opihi looked more like flat, little buttons without much muscle and of no use commercially.

The scientists at Oceanic Institute discovered that an 'opihi grows best in dangerous places, where the waves of the ocean pound against the rocks. Each time a wave crashes against the 'opihi, the shellfish grabs its rock. And as it grabs its rock, it grows. Without the constant surging of the waves an 'opihi, would never become what it was meant to be.

God wants us to see ourselves as " 'Opihi Christians."

We wish we could avoid the trials that come into our lives — those difficulties that bring such sorrow and disappointment and pain.

But God knows that trials are an essential part of our spiritual growth.

As the waves of affliction crash against our lives, like the 'opihi we learn to grab our "rock." Jesus is our rock.

As we learn to fully trust in him through all the ups and downs of life, we grow in Christ-likeness and become the spiritually mature people God intends for us to be.

So when trials come, don't become bitter and resentful. Instead, rejoice.

Through the trials, a loving God is teaching you to cling to him as he shapes you into a strong, beautiful person he can use for his purposes in this world.

The Rev. Dr. Rick Bartosik is senior pastor of Mililani Community Church. Expressions of Faith is a column that welcomes written works from leaders in faith and spirituality. E-mail faith@honoluluadvertiser.com or call 525-8035. Articles submitted to The Advertiser may be published or distributed in print, electronic or other forms.