Embracing the Trials of Life

Scripture – 1 Peter 1:6-9: In 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 your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

Observation – This is one of those scriptural truths that sometimes I’d rather ignore. To “suffer grief in all kinds of trials” refines and strengthens my faith. There’s no question about that. These trials come in different forms to different people. Always, though, this truth is there. If I keep my focus on serving Christ, my faith becomes more genuine. The hope is that praise, glory and honor would somehow go to Jesus Christ. The simple fact is, trials and troubles are part of life. The way I react to them leaves me stronger or weaker. I always have that choice. That’s part of this on-going process of “receiving the goal of your faith” – whether I like it or not.

Application – I will embrace the trials that come to me today. I will not let them distract me from serving Christ and His church.

Prayer – Lord, please help me do that today. I still find it hard to actually rejoice in my trials. However, I do thank you for the refining work you keep doing in me. Thank you for your love and patience.