Refined by fire

1 Peter 1:1-12

As always, read the passage...then the notes.

I've always liked the term, "refined by fire." It gives meaning to pain. It rejoices in poor circumstances. Being refined by fire is very simply, growth through testing. No longer do we have to be depressed over a difficult review at work. We can learn from it. No longer must we think that a month of auto repairs and desperate pleadings with God for rescue was all for naught. We now know that it was the fire, surrounding us, purifying our faith and building our reliance upon God.

Our trials are nothing, really. Peter says that we were chosen for obedience to God. Simple obedience results in 'seeing God' even though he isn't visible. Seeing God leads to believing more fully. Because we believe, we are then "filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy."

Fire ---> Joy. Hmm.

Has this proven to be true in your life?

Can you think of a time when you came through "fire" with faith and experienced unspeakable joy?

It is difficult to do, but there will come a day in your spiritual life when you begin to see difficult circumstances for what they really are: God's allowances of testing upon our lives to build faith. When the next difficult situation confronts you, challenge yourself to remain bold in faith. Call upon God to get you through it, thanking him for accomplishing it in advance...because He will.