“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).

No one in their right mind desires to experience or endure constant pain. The Apostle Peter contends that our faith is tried as though it goes through the fire. There are only two reasons that metallurgists apply fire to metals: one is to test it, and the other is to purify it, or the act of analyzing and the purpose of perfecting.

God is the master metallurgist of our souls. He knows exactly what it takes to perfect, to mature, and to refine His own children so that they are presented faultless before Him at the appearing of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. “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).

At the moment, the trials and tribulations that we encounter may seem unwarranted or much more than we can bear…but they have a far more lasting effect on our faith, on our character, and on our relationship with God; that is why the Apostle Peter states that the trial of our faith is much more precious than gold that perisheth.

Gold is thought of as the most precious metal on earth… but it is finite and, as valuable as it seems, will one day pass away.  Our faith in God, however, is worth more than anything on earth and will last forever. “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;” (2 Corinthians 4:17).

Every trial and every temptation has a divine purpose for something far greater than we can possibly imagine or mere eyes can see. Romans 8:28 states: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

Not all things necessarily feel good to us, but we can rest in the assurance that God is merciful and, in His lovingkindness, always orchestrates what is for our best and His glory.

So, though we may not always understand the reason and there are times when we may exclaim. “Lord, why so much pain?” We can look to the witness of Job and also proclaim, “But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” (Job 23:10).

God’s blessings and grace be with us all.