Recently, while I shopped for an appliance, a store salesman showed me two models. The less expensive one was a knockoff—a cheap imitation. The other had a sticker affixed attesting to its value and quality. Because it had been vigorously tested to stringent industry standards, I was assured of its safety and reliability.
All of us are tested too (1 Peter 4:12). In fact, the believers to whom Peter wrote were facing severe trials—their faith was attacked, morality criticized, and hope mocked (1 Peter 1:6, 2:12). The apostle explained the purpose of such testing: “These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold” (1 Peter 1:7). It’s true—a faith that isn’t tested is a faith that can’t be trusted.
God allows testing for our benefit, for the tests reveal the reality and authenticity, quality and purity, reliability and efficacy of our trust in God. These trials help us grow, making us spiritually strong and mature (James 1:2-4).
Though we may endure many trials in this life, we have reasons to “be truly glad” and “rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy” (1 Peter 1:6,8). We can press on as we experience God’s provision and protection. We’re also recipients of His great mercy—having been given a new life, “living hope” (1 Peter 1:3 niv), and “priceless inheritance.” What’s more, “God is protecting [us] by his power” (1 Peter 1:4-5). He alone sustains and keeps us safe.
By God’s enabling, believers in Jesus can honor Him. As we suffer, we follow Jesus’ example and participate in His sufferings (1 Peter 2:21), while also sharing in His glory (1 Peter 1:7; Romans 8:17). And as we do, He grows in us a faith that’s truly tested and trustworthy.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Genesis 41:37-57
More:
Read James 1:12 and consider what’s in store for those who endure testing through faith in Jesus.
Next:
What assurance and encouragement from Peter will help you remain faithful in the midst of testing? How has testing helped to refine your faith?
Gary Shultz on January 25, 2016 at 6:15 am
To me that living hope and the assurance of an inheritance is what keeps me pressing on, sometimes hanging on. I have to realize that a lot of the trials generated are my own stubbornness; however, God is faithful to even use those failures for my good. How can we not be trusting, to the One who brings all of this together so we can be more like His Son, more for His glory and share it all with us. That’s kindness, that’s grace, that keeps my faith strong. Thank you K.T.
Tom Felten on January 25, 2016 at 8:25 am
KT, I’m reminded of what Jesus once said: “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
jim spillane on January 25, 2016 at 11:53 am
K.T. – I particularly like your statement “God allows testing for our benefit” because He certainly knows the depth of our faith, but for us it’s an on-going process. Through testing and trials our spiritual weaknesses are exposed and it’s up to us to correct them with the help of our Heavenly Father’s faithfulness and grace. Fire removes the impurities from gold, just as testing (hopefully) removes the contaminations in our lives. Blessings to all.
jim spillane on January 25, 2016 at 12:01 pm
Gary – I am humbled by the kindness of your comment to me yesterday. Yes, indeed, I certainly look forward to that day when we finally meet!
Ruth O'reilly-smith on January 26, 2016 at 2:34 am
KT, I remember when I first had a revelation of the value of ‘passing’ a test of my faith and coming out victories and stronger in the end. I was so joyful as I looked back and saw how I’d grown in my walk with Jesus, I flippantly said out loud, “bring on the tough times”. I’ve since realized that I need to guard my words, but the motive behind my instinct to welcome the trials of life was simply in seeing the good that had come out of them. I don’t welcome the tough stuff of life but when I’m in that ‘valley of the shadow of death’, I know I need not fear – My heavenly Father has not changed, He is with me by His Spirit and His heart towards me is to make everything in my life beautiful, in His time. (Psalm 23:4, Hebrews 13:8, Ecclesiastes 3:11).