Proof of Faith Over Proof of Gold

[S] 1 Peter 1:6-7 --

⁶In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials,

⁷so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

[O] Life without trials is quite unrealistic but trials in life are no fun either to deal with. Peter's admonition of taking these trials "for a little while" is very encouraging to me because I know they are not for eternity and that it is also an opportunity for me to exercise my faith to prove that my faith can carry me through to praise, glory, and honor when Jesus returns. He may not return during my life time but nevertheless He will return and all my trials will end then in exchange for the eternity of dwelling with Him. In fact, this proof of my faith is more precious than the gold which is proofed through fire but perishable in the end. My proof of faith will last forever and that's why it requires the "testing" phases through trials in life. Once again, trials in life are no fun but once I go through them faithfully, the results are eternal.

[A] Even now, I can name a few challenges (or trials) I have to deal with. I just need to know that these are just a small part of my life and I will deal with them as best as I could. My life is much bigger than all of them combined because God has a big plan for my life.

[P] Dear God, thank You for allowing these trials in my life to strengthen me and to give hope such that I look forward to the day of praise, glory, and honor in light of Jesus' return. All my trials will become nothing then and the proof of my faith is the only sustaining part from my life. Please continue to shower down Your hope into my life and be the source of hope to others. In Jesus' name. Amen.