In review of 1 Peter 1:6-7 it tells me to “Be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world” (NLT).
I will face trials, especially as my light shines in the darkness. I must learn to accept trials as part of the refining process that burns away impurities and prepares me to meet Christ. Trials, struggles, and persecutions refine and strengthen my faith, making me useful to God. Instead of asking, why me, I should respond to suffering and trials with a new set of responses: 1). with confidence that God knows, plans and direct my life for good. God always provides strength for me and leads me to a better future. 2) Perseverance when facing grief, anger, sorrow, and pain. I can express my grief. but I don't give in to bitterness and despair. 3). Courage because with Jesus as my Brother and Savior that I need not be afraid. For he who suffered for m won't abandon me. Jesus will carry me through everything.
I need more than positive thinking to survive in this world. I need hope.
And lasting hope is possible because God is preparing me for eternity.
God is using everything in life—the good, the bad, and the ugly—to get me ready. When you understand this, life begins to make sense. You stop asking, “Lord, why is this happening?” because you know why.
The Bible says, “Be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world” (1 Peter 1:6-7 NLT).
Those verses describe several truths that are the same today as they were in Peter’s day.
Problems are temporary. They won’t last forever. But God is using those trials for his purposes.
Problems are necessary. They are an indispensable part of preparing me for heaven.
Problems are varied. You’ll experience trials of all different shapes, sizes, and levels of intensity.
Problems test your faith. I build muscles by testing them. The same is true with your faith.
Problems purify my motives. God is much more interested in my character than in my comfort. He’ll use trials to refine my character.
Problems prepare me for my rewards. The trials I’m going through now don’t compare to the rewards of heaven.
The troubles I’m experiencing now aren’t fun. But the Bible makes it clear they can result in something good. They’ll make my faith stronger. This is why I can have hope no matter what’s going on.
In summary, I can actually be glad when I endure trials, for they test and build my faith and will result in wonderful joy ahead. This will bring praise, glory and honor on the day Christ returns. Trials, struggle, and persecutions refine and strengthen my faith, making me useful to God. I should respond with confidence (God knows, plans and directs thing for my good), Perseverance, I learn not to give in and courage because Jesus is there and won't abandon me. I need more than just positive thinking, I need hope. Lasting hope is possible because God is preparing me for eternity. God uses everything to get me ready. Problems are temporary, are necessary, will vary and will test my faith. They prepare me for my rewards in heaven. While they aren't fun, they can result in good as they make my faith stronger.
Father, I’m not sure what to expect from my call with CEO today. My desire is that it would be in with the positive I’ve been thinking. I pray for clarity and clear concise conversation. I will rely on you for the outcome and trust that whatever it is will be for my best. I pray these things through your Son Jesus name, Amen.
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