| "If Peter thought the 'the trial of [his] faith' was 'more precious than gold', why don't we?!" |
Good Morning! In I Peter we learn our fiery trials are to be "precious". Do you think it odd that someone would consider" trials of faith" precious? The phrase "trial of your faith" is the definition of the word that precedes it in the verse: temptation. Temptations are trials (or examinations) of our faith (or, dependence).
Our ability to depend on God is examined by Him in the midst of a temptation. It is a trail of our faith and Peter considered it to be most valuable, yea even precious! What's wrong with us today that we not only struggle to feel that way in the face of our tempting trials but we actually struggle to comprehend how such a response to difficulty could even be possible?
I challenge us, myself especially, today to consider the validity of our Christianity! No, I am not saying we should question our salvation. Rather, I question our ability to appreciate what Christianity causes in our life. Do we APPRECIATE the adversity promised to those that live Godly in Christ Jesus?!
I have listed portions of a FEW phrases in the Bible that I find odd to understand. I want to consider today if my "battle behavior" is similar to those early Christians. Is my version of "Christian dedication" capable of considering trials and tribulations worthy of rejoicing?
"I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved."
"Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities"
"Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses"
"Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad"
"Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you But rejoice. . ."
"ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy."
"when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they departed rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name."
"Yea, and if I be offered the sacrifice, I joy, and rejoice with you all.
"[I] now rejoice in my sufferings for you. . .the afflictions of Christ in my flesh"
"Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though ye are in manifold temptations"
"But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings [yea]be glad also with exceeding joy."
So, may I ask you? Do you look at your troubling circumstances in like manner? How can it be done? Is it possible? Oh, yes it is, friend! Not only is it possible. It is probable! It is actually a promise; if we will choose understand the purpose of our persecution.
Though I cut and pasted many of these verse out of complete thoughts each of them in their entirety answer how these great Christian could feel this way in their difficult tribulations. And each verse gives just about the same answer. It is this: They learned to love trials, tribulations and temptations because they brought each of them closer to Christ and made them effective in His work.
This was the ENTIRE purpose of their life: to be more effective in reaching people and to be closer to Christ. When our purpose is identical to theirs, we will respond identically as they did to that which produces this a desired affect.
If we are not broken and spilled out for the benefit of Christ, then what good are we? If we are unwilling to be broken in contrite submission for His glory, then what is our true purpose?
I am challenged by this study today to not only endure the occasional chastening and constant breaking of Steve Curington. I am challenged to enjoy it. I want a walk with God that not only comprehends the language of these early Christian conquerors, but actually understands exactly what they are saying.
I want my trials to be "precious"! How about you?
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