1 Peter 1:6-7

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 1 Peter 1:6-7 NIV

I don’t know anyone volunteering to undergo difficult trials, yet in God’s plan these are important for the development and proving of our faith. You might ask why does our faith need to be proved? Doesn’t God know everything? Doesn’t He know what’s in our hearts? I think the point is that God knows, but we don’t always know what’s in our own hearts. When gold is heated, the impurities that were previously hidden come to the surface, and are skimmed off, and so it is with the purifying process of our faith.

It’s interesting to note also that even Jesus obedience had to be tested. Hebrews 5:8-9 says ‘Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him’. You could say that Jesus passed both His theory and practical tests.

It’s a bit like getting your drivers licence. You can pass the theory test with 100%, but you don’t get your licence until you’ve actually driven on the road. What you can do in theory is then proved and witnessed. Be encouraged, your trials are preparing you for promotion for the things God has in store for you.

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Philippians 4:8

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8 NIV

We live in world where so much of what we see on television or read or hear about, is either distasteful, of dubious moral value, or focuses on the negative. All of these things are like rust that will gradually erode and undermine our faith. Good health in the natural means having a good balance of wholesome and nutritious foods and the same is true for our spiritual health. The earth we live in truly is filled with the glory of God, and when our eyes are opened we see God in a child’s eyes, in a beautiful sunset or catch a glimpse of His grandeur in the wonders of space. What we choose to focus on defines us. Of course to ignore evil and pretend it doesn’t exist would be naïve, but we must see evil only with our peripheral vision and keep our focus on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely and admirable. These are the glimpses of God that nourish our hearts and keep our faith strong and vibrant.

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Psalm 84:11-12

For the LORD God is a sun and shield;
the LORD bestows favor and honor;
no good thing does he withhold
from those whose walk is blameless.
O LORD Almighty,
blessed is the man who trusts in you. Psalm 84:11-12 NIV

What strikes me about this verse is that God is the one who bestows favour and honor, and for that matter promotion. It doesn’t come from man but from God. If we honour God by walking in His ways He will honour us by giving us favour, honour and good things. God will not hold back anything that is good for us to have. We don’t always know what is best for us, like kids that would probably like to have a diet of chips and chocolate bars if they had their own way, but God always has our best interests at heart and we can always trust and depend fully on Him.

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James 4:6-7

But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:
"God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:6-7 NIV

Lets do a quick break down of this verse. The ‘then’ in verse 7 connects the humility talked about in verse 6 with submitting to God and His plan for our lives. Pride is thinking we can do everything in our own strength or according to our own plan. The humble receive grace (special favour and strength for whatever challenges they’re facing.) In that place of submission to God, we have the power to resist every attack of the enemy. Conversely if there are areas of our lives not submitted to God, those are the areas Satan has a right to exploit.

In summary then the humble, who submit themselves to God, receive grace and have the power to resist the devil. Notice also the power we have as Christians. The least saint can send the devil scampering. We just need to start believing in the power that God says we have.

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Isaiah 40:29-31

He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:29-31 NIV

This is one of my favourite verses. It’s also a verse I put into practice every single day. Waiting on God and spending time in His presence really does literally renew your strength. Many times I’ve come to the end of myself, and simply said to God, God I need you, I have nothing left, and every time, God has given me what I needed for the situation I was facing. I think learning how to use and rely on God’s strength is one of the key things to learn as a Christian. Other wise we are in danger of becoming worn out and burnt out. Doing God’s work with God’s strength is the secret of longevity.

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James 1:12

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12 NIV

The Christian life is not a short distance sprint but a long distance race, one that requires endurance and perseverance. And what a great prize awaits us – the crown of life. I don’t think this is just about receiving eternal life when we die. When Jesus said in John 10:10 “ I have come that they might have life and have it to the full” He was talking about the here and now. Winning our battles leads us into the fullness of blessing and life that God desires for us. Notice the real motivation for persevering, which is not to receive a prize but our love for God. I think receiving a ‘well done good and faithful servant’ from God is the best prize of all.

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Psalm 37:23-24

If the LORD delights in a man's way,
He makes his steps firm;
though he stumble, he will not fall,
for the LORD upholds him with His hand. Psalm 37:23-24

This is such a reassuring verse. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that we have to do everything exactly right in order to secure God’s support and backing and that somehow if we make a mistake God backs off and says “well you’re on your own now buddy!”. There is room for us to make mistakes, just like normal kids. Their parents don’t love or support them any less because they got it wrong or make a mistake.

Joyce Meyers talks in her book ‘How to Hear from God’ about how God redeems us from our mistakes if our hearts are right. She recalls an incident where she said to God “Lord what if I miss You? Oh I’m so scared, what if I miss You?” God answered simply “Joyce don’t worry; if you miss me I will find you.

It’s nice to know God has your back and if you keep your conscience clear before God you can step out with confidence knowing that God is holding you securely in His hand.

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