In review of 1 Peter 1:6-7 this morning it says, “You are temporarily harassed by all kinds of trials and temptations. This is no accident—it happens to prove your faith” (PHILLIPS).
All believers face trials when they let their light shine into the darkness. I must accept trials as part of the refining process that burns away impurities and prepares me to meet Christ. As gold is heated, impurities float to the top and can be skimmed off. Likewise, my trials, struggles, and persecutions refine and strengthen my faith, making me useful to God. Instead of asking, "why me:?" I should respond to suffering with a new set of responses: 1). Confidence that God knows, plans, and will direct my life for good, leading me to a better future. 2). Perseverance when facing grief, anger, sorrow, and pain. I express my grief, but I don't give in to bitterness and despair. 3). Courage because with Jesus, I need not be afraid. He who suffered for me will not abandon me. Jesus will carry me through everything.
Life is full of problems, pressures, and stresses. There are days when nothing seems to go right. God’s Word reminds me that I shouldn’t be surprised by life’s problems? It says, “You are temporarily harassed by all kinds of trials and temptations. This is no accident—it happens to prove your faith” (1 Peter 1:6-7 PHILLIPS).
As a believer, nothing comes into my life by accident. Everything is Father-filtered. God’s Word doesn’t say everything’s good. But as Romans 8:28 points out, “God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them” (NLT), so even the difficulties, irritations, and interruptions, all have a purpose.
We don’t usually realize it when we’re in the situation and may not want to admit it afterward, but every problem has a greater purpose: God does it to prove my faith.
God wants me to respond to difficulties as James points out, “Consider yourselves fortunate when all kinds of trials come your way, for you know that when your faith succeeds in facing such trials, the result is the ability to endure” (James 1:2-3 GNT).
God uses difficulties to test my faith, and I increase in faith when I rejoice continually and keep a positive attitude in spite of things not going right. When I remain grateful and positive and continue trusting God even in the middle of difficulties, my faith is stretched.
In summary, I'm going to be temporarily harassed by all kinds of trials and temptations.This isn't an accident, it occurs to prove my faith. I must accept trials as part of the refining process that prepares me for God's use. Things things happen to refine and strengthen my faith. I need to respond with: 1). Confidence that God knows, plans and will direct my life for good, 2). Perseverance, it's ok to express my grief but to not give into bitterness and despair, 3). Courage, because Jesus my savior is there and won't abandon me. Nothing that comes into my life is by accident. God causes everything to work together. So every problem has a greater purpose, they are their to prove and test my faith. I increase in faith when I rejoice continually and keep a positive attitude.
Father, I can see trials occurring in my life today at work, not knowing what will happen in my job. But I decided to look at everyday as a learning experience. My role is to do the best job possible for the organization and my team. I know based on experience that your in control and will use what happens to help build me so that I can be of use to you. I pray this morning for continued renewal in knowing that you are in charge and will use what is happening to build me. I ask for wisdom and guidance for my day, my tasks and priorities, my leadership and my interactions with others. I ask these things through your Son Jesus name, Amen.
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