“That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:” (1Peter 1:7)
Jesus said that in this world there would be trouble. (John 16:33) Anyone who’s lived any years as an adult here in this world can attest to the fact that if it’s not one thing it’s another. There is always trouble in this world. That’s just the way of the world. Being a Christian doesn’t exempt us from the troubles of this world. But there is a difference for the believer and follower of Jesus. When trouble comes, and some may be severe, we can succumb to it and allow it to destroy us or we can act in faith and rise above it.
Peter writes that the purpose of these troubles or trials for the Christian is to test our faith. In whatever trouble that comes our way, the manner in which we respond to the trouble will reveal if we really believe God or if we were merely mouthing words. Paul writes that these trials work in us to give us patience. The word patience means endurance and perseverance in the trial. This endurance will prove that we truly believe God. It works hope in God and His Word. “And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope:” (Romans 5:3-4)
No body is foolish enough to invite troubles and trials, but they are the way of this world. And just like Jesus suffered in this world, we also get the privilege of suffering for Him. “And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God. For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake;” (Philippians 1:28-29) Paul is talking specifically about persecution for the sake of the Lord and the Word. This persecution, depending on where one lives, is severe or subtle suffering for the Lord or for the Word’s sake. Any believer who has been bold enough to quote Scripture or testify of Jesus in the world is familiar with it.
Our faith tested by fire (trials) is precious and more valuable than gold. It doesn’t come from man’s wisdom, but from God. (1Peter 1:1) Therefore the unbeliever doesn’t understand it. The end result of our faith is salvation. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9) There is no room for boasting because this faith that is being purified (tested and proven) is from God. Do we have the perseverance to hold on to it in the midst of the fire? Our reaction in the trial testifies to our need to prove it. Do we react in a worldly manner with the resources of this world; manipulation, lying and anger? Or do we stand boldly proclaiming God’s Word, and allowing the power and light of the Word to overcome the darkness? It’s so easy to talk about it. But in the fire, the dross comes to the surface and reveals the truth to us.
We need to allow God to have His perfect way in us in order for Him to do a perfect work in us. If we’re bothered by the little things, how are we going to fare when the real test comes. It will either break you or make you. “If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.” (Proverbs 24:10) Paul puts it another way. “Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. (1Corinthians 16:13) In other words, he is saying stop being a baby not standing in faith and act like a man, strong in faith. Paul didn’t mince words. But he had reason to speak in such a forceful way. We are afraid to go against the grain and stir the pot as it’s said. We don’t want to make waves or trouble for ourselves by looking foolish when the fulfillment of our faith isn’t seen immediately. But God wants us to speak His Word and His Truth, even if it means persecution. “This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, (Ephesians 4:17). When we no longer speak and act like the world it will testify that we are no longer part of the world. And that takes strong faith.
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