1 Peter 1 - 02.06.25
SCRIPTURE: 1 Peter 1:6-7 NIV
“In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.”
OBSERVATION:
Scripture reminds us that we are ALL going to face Trials—of many kinds. It’s a fact, it’s inevitable, and it is part and parcel of the Christian Walk. So in full disclosure, at 44 years in as a Believer, I’m not sure why I find myself caught off guard when a Season of Trial comes.
Peter, James and Paul each addressed Trials in their letters to the Churches as a “when” not “if””.
More important, each called on believers to Rejoice IN Trials. This is because Trials are never in Vain. They have a specific purpose—To TEST and GROW our FAITH to the glory of Jesus.
The imagery here is that of gold being refined in the Flaming Fires of the Smelting Furnace.
Are you still with me???
As the gold melts the impurities rise to the surface where they are carefully removed. The goldsmith then applies MORE heat and repeats the process multiple times. Each round of heat brings more impurities to the surface AND each time the impurities are carefully removed—until Finally the gold is tested PURE [the genuineness of our Faith].
When the goldsmith can clearly SEE His Image mirrored in the surface of the melted liquid, he knows the gold is PURE.
“So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.” (2 Corinthians 3:18 NLT)
APPLICATION
Test my Faith for Your glory, Lord.
“Examine me, Lord, and put me to the test; Refine my mind and my heart.”
(Psalm 26:2 NASB2020)
No one likes to go through a season of trials and testing. But understanding God’s divine purpose to purify us, grow our Faith and prepare us for eternity gives me greater courage to say to Jesus,
“Examine me, Test me, Refine my mind and my heart”. No matter these present circumstances, I don’t desire for them to be lifted one moment sooner than God has completed His perfect purpose. Today as I am writing this, God has already revealed something to me about the words of my mouth (dross that has risen to the surface and surely needs to be removed). Thank You Jesus for your new mercies every morning, I desire that the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart are pleasing to Him.
Jesus IS the Author of our Faith. How does He author our Faith? HE continually writes New chapters on our heart through ongoing trials and tests. Every test tells a story of our endurance being developed and our faith being strengthened. The More our endurance is developed and our Faith is strengthened, the More we are a reflection of His glory and bring Him Praise and Honor.
“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for GREAT JOY. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it GROW, for when your endurance is FULLY developed, you will be MATURE and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:2-4)
PRAYER
LORD Jesus,
Thank You that You Love us SO much that You Refine our faith. And not just once. You give us many opportunities to be made mature. Thank You that IN the process, You never leave us alone. Just like with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, YOU are IN the Fire WITH us. Thank YOU that though there is always a Season of testing— a time of refreshing follows. YOU are a Good Good Father. Faithful in ALL YOUR Ways. Keep my eyes heavenward and on the eternal. Thank You for such a godly and faithful church family who stands by my side with constant encouragement. What an honor to come together and pray for each other and see prayers being answered. The earnest prayers of a righteous person has Great Power and Wonderful results. Here I am Lord, [melt me, mold me, fill me, use me] Send me.
In Jesus Name, amen.
Tina L Kudelka