READ: JAMES 1:2-12
… that the genuineness of your faith, …, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ. – 1 Pet. 1:6-7
Believing in the Lord Jesus Christ on earth brings not only peace, joy, and happiness, but also difficulties, sorrows, and struggles. There is every reason to always be grateful and joyful for whatever God gives you. After all, you have been brought out of the darkness of sin and destruction by Christ’s sacrifice into the light of His salvation and His glorious future. In that you rejoice. Not only on special occasions such as in church or at profession of faith or a birthday. No, that joy goes with you because faith connects you to your Savior.
Yet, “various trials” can make it difficult for you. Peter notes that this is only “for a little while.” Compared to that eternal glorious inheritance, this is only for a short time. Paul also makes that comparison in 2 Cor. 4: 17 when he explains why we do not lose heart: For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.
Peter even points out – like Paul and James – the necessity of affliction and temptation: God wants to test us to see if our faith is genuine and if we continue to expect everything from Him even in difficult circumstances. Just as earthly gold is purified by fire and emerges as real shining gold, so our faith becomes evident when we continue to hope in Christ in times of trouble and keep expecting all we need from God without giving up hope. When we then praise and honor God, our faith is for God’s glory. This will also be evident on the day when Christ returns and we share in His worship.
How do you view affliction and persecution?
Singing: Ps. 66:4