YOUR FAITH IN TRIALS

So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.

1 Peter 1:6‭-‬7 NLT

The Greek word faith in these verses is Pistis which is translated as trust, confidence, persuasion, conviction.

Inserting the literal meaning of Pistis into the above verses, we understand the writer (Apostle Peter) was addressing our persuasion/conviction about God, his person and nature.

When we walk through fire, though it wouldn't hurt us, it challenges our conviction, our persuasion about God, his person, nature, and precepts.

Little wonder when life hits us hard, there's a tendency to question the justice system of God. Some people end up judging him faithful others don't. Then their zeal wanes, their passion fades and they withdraw from intimacy with the God whom they once professed to love wholeheartedly.

Read: When Passion Wanes

The difference in our responses to hard times is directly proportional to how persuaded we are about the character and precepts of God.

How persuaded are you? Are you really convinced about his love for you, his faithfulness to his word and his integrity in your situation?

I have personally been through a lot than I imagined I would. The surgeon's knife, the loss of a baby and all shades of excruciating body pain due to a medical condition. While this may not be a trial of faith (conviction) for you, it was for me.

Read: Don't let these 3 thorns ruin your testimony.

I have held on believing, trusting, standing in quiet confidence that the word of God is true regardless of my circumstances.

I encourage you to do same. It is this persuasion that the writer says will be rewarded. We will receive praise, honour and glory at Jesus' appearing.

The clause "At Jesus' appearing" doesn't necessarily mean his second coming. It can also be taken to mean when God finally shows up for you in that situation.

I can trace major spiritual depths and commensurate honor and glory on my life to specific trials that I overcame in the past. So when Peter says you will receive praise, glory and honor at Jesus' appearing, it is so true. We receive them here on earth and also in heaven.

God is kind and He rewards the faithful. Hold on to your hope in God.

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithfulHebrews 10:23 (NIV)

My darling, no one needs to know your struggle. No one needs to understand the weights. You only need Jesus to know and understand. He will reward your conviction ( Faith) in Him.

Read this one more time,

So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. 1 Peter 1:6‭-‬7 NLT

Be at rest, my beloved.
You are precious to Jesus.

Committed to your fulfilment
Anne Emeka-Obiajunwa
Founder, The Birthplace Foundation

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