6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials,7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 1:6-7 ESV)
Yesterday we looked at the refining fire of our faith and how though everything else is burned up, our faith will provide a path to our heavenly reward. But there are those who have been going through much and had to endure much that I know and I am sure you know someone as well. It can be that God is refining our faith as well. It is not that He has abandoned us, but that He is allowing what is happening to refine us for the here and now.
I think this morning of my friends who are dealing with physical suffering, family pain or continued work pain. You are all on my heart today.
It is easy to question God as we go through the refining fire. There is much dross in every life that needs to be burnt away. Things we cling to that have no real lasting value aside from our pleasure or our pride. It does not make the process any less painful.
Reflect on: What needs to be burnt away and where your eyes are fixed.
