In an everchanging culture, 1 Peter offers the right words to help you stand firm in your faith. Written to early Believers who were scattered around the globe, it’s a great reminder God is not absent. It’s a great reminder when dealing with the problems of life.
God never said there wouldn’t be problems. In fact, Jesus Christ clearly states as per John 16:33: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” In understanding this, how do we respond to the trials of life? Peter gives a good look at how faith responds in the midst of problems.
Today’s Scripture: 1 Peter 1:6-7 (NIV)
6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though 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.
Why 1 Peter 1:6-7 Speaks To Us Today
1 Peter 1:6-7 ties in a great example of making negatives positives. What the verses show is how the trials, while daunting, can and will produce genuine faith. What makes it genuine? When you’re going through something that only Christ can fix and you bear witness to the glory of his solutions in action.
When you witness an “impossible possibility” manifest, that grows your faith. Even though the physical rewards are earned through the process, those things can be lost. What remains? Your praise, glory and honor of Jesus Christ. Don’t get too discouraged when you have to journey through a problem, there’s a testimony there in the end.
Three Truths from 1 Peter 1:6-7
Three good things to remember as you read this scripture today involve some thoughts to put to practice mentally:
- Whatever trial you’re going through is temporary, but your faith is eternal. Remember the bad day, event, experience, etc. is only for that moment in time. It will pass! How you respond to that situation in faith adds to your eternal walk with Jesus.
- Faith will be tested, but it’s never wasted. Satan will work overtime to challenge your faith. In fact, there will be times where you might feel you’ve missed the mark. However, remember you are complete in Christ. Nothing goes to waste. God uses everything to bear witness to His Kingdom through our lives.
- Every step you take in faith gives glory to Jesus Christ. Keep moving forward! With tears if needed be! Hold on to your faith. Do not let anyone or anything separate you from your faith in Jesus Christ. As long as you move forward knowing Jesus saw it and heard it too, Christ is getting the glory.
Peter is working very hard in this text to reaffirm everyone to hold the line, keep the faith, and move forward. As Believers that is the way we grow our faith and grow stronger in our relationship with Jesus Christ.
How To Reflect On 1 Peter 1:6-7 Today:
Here are three questions to ask yourself daily in the midst of the trial:
- Ask the Lord: What I am learning through this trial?
- Pray to be stronger and wiser when it’s done.
- Encourage someone through what you’ve learned and share your faith in Christ and how He responded.
Closing Prayer
Lord there are times I have no clue what is going on, and most of the time is spent in emotion. Help me see the clearing up ahead and know you’re paving the way in front of me. Help me learn and grow from all experiences, especially those bad ones, and I’ll always let people know it’s because of you I made it. Amen.
