“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

I find myself constantly falling on my face multiple times in one day-staying in prayer for God’s mercy to be extended towards my family, friends, dear sisters and brothers in Christ….and all men who are suffering through the trials and tribulations of this life; and yet, I am constantly reminded that this road of life that we travel is not one of ease and comfort. The old familiar hymn goes: Must Jesus bear the cross alone, And all the world go free? No, there’s a cross for everyone, And there’s a cross for me!

Thankfully, we can find consolation in knowing that the trials, suffering and pains that we endure have a divine purpose, and end… someone said trouble don’t last always! the account of God allowing Job’s faith to be tested gives us a vivid and constant reminder that God is in total control– and what did Job say about it all? “But he knoweth the way that I take: When he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” Job 23:10. God is ominscient, omnipotent, and omnipresent-He knows the way that we take…and He alone is molding us and preparing us for something far greater than we can even imagine!

Peter wrote these encouraging words of God’s power to keep us in and through all the valley experiences of life; “Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: 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: 5-7. 

He describes for us the benefit of life trials, surely they distress us, but they don’t prevent us from rejoicing in the Lord- they test, purify, and prove our faith; and when they do come our way- as soldiers of the cross we can make a choice to continue to trust God in and through it all. No-I must readily agree that the trying of our faith certainly doesn’t feel good to us…but our faith grows stronger with each trial and test…why? because Romans 8:28 holds true! “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.”

My friends, we are overcomers of this life’s trials and afflictions; we may not see what comes next…but we walk by faith and not by sight,  for the trial of our faith is definitely more precious than gold- praise God we are His precious jewels…and the sheep of His pasture! “Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.” Psalm 100:3.

So, this day let us praise Him and give thanks for His all-sufficient and all- powerful existence; He is the Great I AM, who sustains, keeps, and love us forever! “Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy. Jude 1:24. 

Let us walk in the blessings of His amazing grace throughout this day and all ways!