Learning That Trials Today Help Refine Me

In review of 1 Peter 1:6 it say, "So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while."

Bottom Line:

Trails now will lead to joy

What this means to me:

Even though I may need to endure trials for while here on earth, I can be glad, for there is a wondrous joy that lies ahead of me for my patient endurance,

What I’m learning is that when God places me in the middle of a trial, He has put me there for a little while to burn out my imperfections so that I can become a vessel of honor to Him. If I cannot endure great burdens, I will never survive great successes.

So I might as well smile while I’m walking through the valley, because my attitude in the trial will determine just how long I stay there. I can use the valley as a time for God to restore my soul, to reveal Himself to me in a very real way, and to learn things that I wouldn’t learn anywhere else.

Seems that the most successful people in life are the war-torn and battle-scarred, not the chubby little babies whose parents never disciplined them. They are lean, mean fighting machines who have weathered the storm and lived to tell about it.

I’m also realizing that God will use challenges in my life to develop within me something that will honor Him and bless others. So I can rejoice, and face the challenges of this day head-on, choosing to be made better, not bitter.

So in summary, I must learn to accept trails as part of my refining process that burns away impurities and prepares me to meet Christ. Just as gold is heated and impurities float to the top. My trials, struggles and even persecutions refine and strengthen my faith, thus making me useful to God. Instead of asking, "why me?" I should respond to problems with a new set of responses such as:

1) Confidence that God knows, plans and directs my life for good. God will also provide his love and strength for me and lead me to a better future.

2) Perseverance when facing grief, anger, sorrow, and pain. We express our grief, but we don't give into bitterness and despair.

3) Courage, because with Jesus as my Brother and Savior, I need not be afraid.

He who suffered for me, will not abandon me. Jesus will carry me through everything.

As I reflect on this passage this morning, my current project (data center relocation) comes to mind. It’s one where I having difficulties with some items coming through and being delivered on time. It’s been good for me when I feel frustrated to just turn it back over to God, as he is in control and will help me find solutions or enable those around to tolerate and work with the delay that could happen.  As I let go, God has helped move things along in ways I would have never thought possible.  Thanks Father to helping me keep calm to exercise my faith in you.