Enduring in faith
Be glad about this, even though it may now be necessary for you to be sad for a while because of the many kinds of trials you suffer. Their purpose is to prove that your faith is genuine. Even gold, which can be destroyed, is tested by fire; and so your faith, which is much more precious than gold, must also be tested, so that it may endure. Then you will receive praise and glory and honour on the Day when Jesus Christ is revealed. (verses 6,7)
Read 1 Peter 1:1-12
Have you ever wondered why God lets you suffer trials? Have you ever wondered why you have times of sadness, even though you are a dearly loved child of God? In this reading God gives you some words of comfort: your suffering is not without meaning. In fact, God will use even your suffering for your good. He will use it to strengthen your faith so that it may endure.
St Peter uses the image of gold being tested. It is because gold is so precious that it is tested and refined. Your faith is far more precious than gold. God lets you face trials so that your faith may endure and so that you may receive the gift of eternal life from God.
Persevere in your trust. Continue in faith, and God will give you praise and glory and honour on the day that Jesus Christ is revealed.
Lord, thank you for giving me the precious gift of faith. Strengthen my trust in you, so that I may be faithful to you throughout my life. Amen.
by Fraser Pearce, in ‘Renewed Hope for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 2000)
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