Through the Bible: 1 PeterSample

Refiner’s Fire, My Desire

So 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)

Crushed, overwhelmed, devastated – waves of these feelings wash over those who face trials. All believers face trials when they let their light shine in the darkness. But when faced with trials, do we give up or go on?

Go on. Be truly glad. God is keeping an eternal inheritance for us in heaven. God is keeping us in faith for that inheritance.

As gold is melted in fire, the impurities float to the top and can be skimmed off. When the refining fire is complete, the gold is purer. It is likewise with our faith. We have faith. We trust His promises. But there are impurities – murmurs, doubts, trusting money, power, and fame just to name a few. Dirt mingled with the gold of faith. These impurities in our faith hinder us from experiencing the fullness of God and our eternal inheritance. So let us accept trials as part of the refining process that burns away impurities and strengthens our faith. Be courageous because Jesus who suffered for us will not abandon us. Be confident that God loves us and will lead us to a better eternal future.

Prayer

Father God, purify my heart and let me be as pure gold. I desire Your refiner’s fire so that I can be strengthened in faith, remaining holy and set apart for You to do Your will. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen!