September 23 | 1 Peter 1:6-7
DAILY READING
REFLECTION
Genuine Faith
By Beth Voltmann
“In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while
you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.”
(v. 6)
Are we to rejoice because we are suffering? Do we greatly rejoice due to trials that have come upon us? Certainly not! The preceding verses (1 Peter 1:3-5) point to the true focus of our joy! In God’s great mercy we have been given new birth, a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus, an inheritance that is imperishable, and a faith that shields us through God’s power for the salvation that is to be revealed in the last time. These are truths worthy of celebration!
What is your typical response in times of trial and suffering? Mine is self-pity and whining which indicates that I need a Godly attitude adjustment. (Perhaps you do too?) Though difficult days will come, we can rejoice because God is using these experiences to purify our faith as fire refines gold.
Think of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Trusting in God’s providence and refusing to bow down to a false idol, they willingly surrendered themselves to being thrown into a sweltering furnace. Such faith! Jesus showed up for them in the time of testing – they were never alone. They emerged from their fiery ordeal without one hair singed, one piece of clothing scorched, or any bit of a smell of flame. Wouldn’t you imagine that their trust in God was so much greater after the trial than before? Upon witnessing such triumph, even Nebuchadnezzar, the pagan king, gave praise to the one, true God! (Daniel 3:16-28)
I have read that the world’s finest china must endure the intense heat of a kiln at least three times in order to produce the long-lasting, high-quality translucency and color intended. A company mark of authenticity is back-stamped on the china in the last stages of the process. Upon the final inspection, each piece is tapped with a small tool to insure that it produces a clear, bell-like tone.
While writing about the refining process above, the similarity of two words caught my eye, and I felt prompted to see if they were related. I was fascinated to learn that the words intense and intended share the same Latin root yet differ somewhat in meaning.
Intense means: “stretched tight or strained”
Intended means: “directing one’s mind or attention toward” a goal - having a plan, aim, or design
With that in mind, consider how the Lord is sanctifying believers each new day as we walk with Him. Our intense trials may bring temporary suffering and grief, but God’s intended purpose is always for the best - to mold us, test us, and perfect our faith until proven genuine.
“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.”
(v. 7)
We can greatly rejoice knowing that we bear our Maker’s mark. May our lives of faith ring out for the praise, glory and honor of our God!
PRAYER
Lord, remind us today that You are with us. When we are overwhelmed, lead us to Your Word, comfort us with the Truth, teach us to trust Your perfect plan for our lives of faith.
Amen
For further encouragement:
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
BETH VOLTMANN
After moving to Ohio in 1997 with my husband and four children, I developed a hunger for God’s Word through adult teaching and women’s Bible study at UALC. My passion is to help others understand Scripture so that they may grow in their desire for more of God and experience the new life offered to us through Christ Jesus.
I am being tested right now with health issues but I keep remembering - He will not give me more than I have the capacity to endure.
"Gods intended purpose is always best." I love that- thank you. Feeling weary, I appreciate this encouragement.