All Kinds of Trials

 “In all this you greatly rejoice, though 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.”

— 1 Peter 1:6-7

Gracious Lord Jesus, my friend and my King,

No one really likes trials. The hardships, adversity, and spiritual warfare we go through aren’t enjoyable experiences. But the end result of these trials produces something to rejoice over: praise, glory, and honor when you, Lord Jesus, are revealed.

These trials of all kinds that cause me to suffer grief really are only for a little while. In view of eternity, these are light and momentary trials that will fade like dark shadows amidst the sunrise. A thousand years from now, ten thousand years from now, I won’t remember the pain I endured but I will be living eternally with the character produced.

These trials have come my way not as punishment, not as a test to pass, but as a process by which my faith is proven genuine. The process of proving something is genuine involves examining its properties, history, and context. Gemstones and jewelry are tested, analyzed, and magnified. Artwork and artifacts are analyzed, researched, and examined. Antiques and collectibles are identified, researched, and inspected. Anything valuable is first proven genuine. Trials prove the genuineness–the authenticity–of my faith. Trials produce something of greater worth than gold, which though it perishes, is also refined by fire. The end result is praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

Lord Jesus, thank You that every trial is producing and proving something in me. These trials are not forever. They, too, shall soon pass. But may I endure each one with a mindset firmly fixed on what is being produced in me. May my proven, genuine, authentic faith in You result in praise, glory, and honor when I see You face to face!

— In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen!

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