What is the purpose of trials in our life?

Readings for the Day
1 Peter 1

Verses for the Day

Verse 6. "Now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 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. 8 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, 9 for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls."

Thoughts for the Day

The book of 1 Peter is written to Jewish Christians, who have been scattered throughout Asia Minor. After Paul started many of these churches, as they grew, they faced intense persecution. Peter's letter is to encourage them by reminding them they have an inheritance that will never fade away. They are born again though faith and receive a living hope. Their hope is is anchored in Jesus' literal and bodily resurrection from the dead. And through that same power God will shield them through their faith in him.

In our verses for today, Peter explains to them that there is a purpose for the trials they are going through. The trials have come to refine and prove the genuineness of their faith. Like gold, the fiery trials burn out any impurities. Why? Because when your faith is tested, by staying strong your faith grows. It is easy to trust God when things are going well. But when bad things happen to us or those whom we love, we wonder why. As we stand firm trusting in the promises God has made to us through faith, we are proving the genuineness of our faith. Finally, Peter says that our faithfulness in the midst of trials will result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus returns in great and promised glory.

Where is your faith be tried right now? Don't be surprised because in living as an obedient Christian there are bound to be various kinds of trials that will produce suffering. After all Jesus was made pure by his suffering, and there is nothing we go that he has not already endured. As we suffer for him, we become more like Him. And when he returns we will see Him as he is and receive our heavenly inheritance. If you are growing weary in a temptation or trial that doesn't ever seem to go away, keep your eyes on your Savior, Jesus Christ. He will shield you and give you power from His Spirit to not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear!


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