6. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7. These have come so that your faith-- of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire--may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.
Peter reminded his people of some things when they were going through suffering. First, recognize suffering is temporary. The attractions of this world and the difficulties of it are all temporary. From God's perspective, it is hard to imagine why we give so much attention to the things of this world which is short lived - both its pleasure and its pain.
That does not mean we ought not to enjoy things here. Nor does it mean we ought to live lives accepting discomforts and difficulties. It means we ought not to lose perspective of eternity when we are wrapped around the temporary. One way we can face suffering is by looking forward to life and joy with God forever.
Why do people have surgery when they know it's going to hurt? Because they know that for a little while there will be pain and suffering with the hope that it will take care of a problem.
Secondly, suffering is a means of proving faith and is a tool for character building. The training that many of our service men and women go through may seem senseless. Yet one learns obedience without question in boot camp.
We are called to a much more important conflict than military combat. We are called to a spiritual battle. God knows what He is doing and doesn’t have to reveal the strategies to us. Satan and his evil forces, principalities, and powers use all types of deception, discouragement, and disease. Even the trials, which are different than temptations, are either allowed by God or brought by God to make us stronger in our faith. The advantage is that God is the One in whom our victory and strength is placed even though it is hard. We are victorious as we continue in Him.
This is where being obedient and trusting in the One who called us into His service is all we need to keep going because success and victory is already promised.
Peter wanted them to know that they can stand anything if they remember it is a test. Gold has to be tried and tested and purified with fire so it can be stronger and cleaner and firmer than even before. When the heart is too attached to success, riches, health, family, jobs, to positions, or to possessions, then there needs to be fire to resort our priorities.
It is probable that we will face trials. The blessings and gifts that are eternally valid, however, will never be taken from us. The gift of God's Son, provides the eternal hope renewed in His resurrection, the presence of His Spirit, the salvation which is already ours--these gifts are ours forever.
Application: Focus on eternity.
Prayers: Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face. And the things of the world will grow strangely dim, in the light of His Glory and Grace.
