Gold

In reading through 1 Peter.....I came across chapter 1 verses 6-9.  These verses have to do with trials and grief and how they end up being a blessing to us. Well....this got me thinking.

Trials aren't fun. Think of the trials you face on a daily basis. Maybe you don't like your job very much.....maybe you don't like your kids at the moment.......maybe you are mad at your spouse......maybe your car will be repossessed if you don't come up with the money to keep it. These are examples of trials. But, there are trials of another nature such as worry, bitterness, cold heartedness, anger......you get the idea. Grief is another one that isn't fun. I get grief when i need to pay a ill I don't have the money for, or my friend won't be near me at work on a particular day, or I have to miss church due to other circumstances. But trials and grief build our faith. Let me explain.

When I was a kid, my grandmother passed away the day before my 16th birthday. While other girls my age wanted a sweet 16 party with boys and a DJ.....I was attending a funeral. I was mad at God and wanted my Nana back with me. I didn't care about a party or any of that. This was great grief to me back then in 1989. I got very bitter.....bitter at my God. I put myself in that mess. I chose that road. I chose to be bitter and angry.....so the grief I experienced was self inflicted. At the time I didn't see it that way. Who would at an immature 16 years of age? But now, I see things differently. These verse helped me see where I was and where I am now.

Verse 7 tells us that trials and grief come for a little while to produce faith.....and our faith is worth more than gold. Gold is very valuable as we all know.....but out faith is MORE valuable than gold. This faith will be proved genuine and may result in praise, honor, and glory when Jesus is is revealed. This is saying that all we are going through at this minute, day, month, year.....is to build our faith so that when Jesus returns one day, we can give Him his due glory! Verse 8 tells us how we can't see Jesus but we love Him, believe in Him, and are filled with joy that is inexpressible.
The definition of faith is believing in what we cannot see. We can't see Jesus but through our trials and grief.....we are purifying our faith so His glory will be known to all!

This comes full circle for me. My 16th birthday and the years to follow were trials I never want to relive. However, had I not had them, my faith would not be where it is today. I can't see my God, but He has helped me know Him through my mess and build my faith. I can still have joy in my trials knowing they are meant for my good. We need to focus on eternal things and not temporary things of this short life we have on earth. One day I'll see His face and give Him His glory! While I'm
waiting for that day, I'll continue to seek Him, learn about Him, and follow Him the best I can with the people He has placed in my life to help me do just that!