PRECIOUS TRIALS!

PRECIOUS TRIALS!

1 Peter 1:5-7

5 [We] are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:

7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

          The sentence structure of verse seven indicates that it is the trial and not faith that is described by Peter as “more precious than gold.” We may scratch our heads and disagree but I think Peter certainly has a right to his opinion.

          Remember that it was Peter who did not understand when Jesus said that he must die on the cross (see Matthew 16:21-23). His response to Jesus was “be it far from thee Lord: this shall not be unto thee!” Peter’s understanding failed and so his faith failed. Jesus told him that he was thinking and acting like Satan.

          Remember also that it was Peter who, when he saw Jesus change into his glorified form, wanted to build three tabernacles (see Matthew 17:4). He saw Jesus talking with the long dead Moses and Elijah and was so befuddled that he did not know just what to say. Peter suggested that they build three shrines and remain on the mountain. He would have been better served to have said nothing.

          And how could we forget that Peter warmed his hands at the fire outside while Jesus was being questioned by the High Priest (see Mark 14:54). Peter was recognized but he vehemently denied the Lord three times before the rooster crowed. Remembering that Jesus had predicted this failure, Peter went out and wept bitterly.

So Peter certainly knew about trials! He said they were more precious than refined gold. Charles Spurgeon said: “Faith untried may be true faith, but it is sure to be little faith, and it is likely to remain dwarfish so long as it is without trials. Faith never prospers so well as when all things are against her.”

Job 23:10

10 But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

Dear Lord, we do not ask for trials but when they come help us to see them for what they are. They are more precious than gold. AMEN