I Peter 1:6-7 6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. MORE PRECIOUS THAN GOLD Paul embodies all that is fine and true of the love and forgiveness of the Lord. As he was one who was relentless in his pursuit of attacking the new church until he encountered Jesus in a miracle encounter. He was so changed by his conversion that he was given a new name. Saul became Paul...a new man and everything before that was forgiven ...beginning a journey that was full of fire and trials. Paul understood that the suffering of the moment was nothing compared to the future rewards of eternity. Many of us have struggled or are currently struggling. The fire of life seems to many of us today to have amped up and accelerated. Yet we are encouraged to know that all things pass through the eyes of the Lord and He has a plan and a purpose for everything that touches our lives. Only God knows the seeds that are sown into our lives or the testimonies that are generated as a result of complete surrender to the will of God. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him,who have been called according to His purpose...Rom.8:28 The words ...of those who love Him...to me means that we love Him and trust Him period. Good or bad... feast or famine...in sickness and in health. Is it easy? Absolutely not... But as it feels at times that the fire is turned up... I know that whatever I may be going through ...it will never be close to what Jesus suffered in the days before His journey to the cross. If you are being tested by fire today... remember that the season will pass and God will be by our side through it all. Keep in mind that God specializes in beauty for ashes and He will turn it around.Our trials are just a flash of time and forgotten in the glory that we will behold in eternity. Hold fast to your faith and remember that God is an ever present help in times of trouble.
Posted on: Thu, 11 Dec 2014 15:10:23 +0000