That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: – 1 Peter 1:7 (KJV)
The trial of our faith. This is something that can be very difficult for Christians to go through, and we can experience this in different ways. Sometimes, we might even feel like we are under full-blown attack, whether by troubles in this world or something that affects on on a more spiritual level—often both.
These times can make us question everything we think we know about God and our Lord, Jesus Christ. We may start to feel like we don’t belong anyplace. This world certainly doesn’t feel like home, but because of our struggles we feel painfully far from God too.
Why am I writing this? Maybe there is a hint of selfishness to my motives. Though I do hope that someone who is going through a hard time might read this and be comforted, in some part I’m writing this to remind myself and to take a break from my own cares for a few minutes, instead reflecting on the truths that sometimes seem so distant, that they feel more like a dream than a reality.
We don’t want the cares of this world to choke the good things Christ has put in us, but it’s no strange thing if we often feel close to smothering. The trials we go through are always for our good, though we don’t always feel that way when in the middle of them.
Maybe we are learning to trust in the Lord or come to a fuller understanding that it is He that works in us to do His will. Maybe we are learning to be more patient with others. Maybe we are put through something difficult so we can sympathize with others more fully or be healed from a stubborn sin issue. Maybe the Lord is preparing our hearts in some other way or redirecting our steps – the possibilities are endless, which in itself brings hope. How great can the fruit of our labors be – or rather – the labor of the Lord in us!
There is rest in the name of Jesus. In Him we have a safe-haven of peace and the path out of the darkness that so easily surrounds us. Often the problem is when we allow the hard times, or times when we are deep in sin, keep us from approaching God because we feel without hope or too ashamed. Those are places a child of God is not bound to.
No problem is too big for the Almighty, and He is extraordinarily merciful. Being that He was tempted just as us, He knows our suffering and He will provide a way out! Him that is in us is also greater than he that tempts us, though we may be given over at times – again for our benefit – but after the fruit of that labor is sewn, the Lord will make a way out, and we will be forever grateful. Grateful for the trial, grateful for the freedom, and grateful for the fruit of the Spirit – a reward that we in no-wise deserve, but for the name sake of Jesus Christ, we are given.
Jesus leads us on a path of His righteousness, from glory to glory until we see the fullness of His promises revealed in our lives – lives created to point others to the wonderful truth of Jesus Christ – the only name that is worthy of praise, honor, and glory.
Just imagine it! There will come a day when we no longer struggle with troubles of this world. The things that weigh you down now will someday be behind you, and you will look back with incredible gratitude and allegiance to the One who freed you. Whatever you are going through, it will pass. Keep praising His name, and watch Him do the work that only He can do!
KindlingTruth 