Written by Pastor Jack Wellman– Warren Wiersbe
Genuineness
The Apostle Peter tells us that if “you have been grieved by various trials” (1st Pet 1:6b), it is “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” (1st Pet 1:7). If our faith is never tested, we can’t know how strong or weak it is. Gold that passes through the fire is made more valuable because all of the impurities are burned away. God works in our lives in similar fashion, but not to harm us…but to grow us.
Preparation for Glory
To be honest, I had not thought of this as a positive when I read the Apostle Paul’s statement in 2nd Corinthians 4 where he wrote, “For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison” (2nd Cor 4:17), and on that subject, Paul puts it all into perspective by writing, “I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us” (Rom 8:18). Troubles prepare us for eternity. How all of this works, I can’t tell you. God knows, and that’s enough for me.
They Humble Us
It’s really hard to be boasting and bragging when troubles are piled on top of you. God may allow troubles for the purpose of humbling us, and that’s a good thing because God gives His grace to the humble (James 4:6). If we are humbled, we’re more likely to seek God in prayer and find comfort in His Word. That’s a win-win.
Conclusion
Just when we feel like giving up, let’s think about this; God uses troubles to reveal the weakness or strength of our faith, not so God will know, but that we will; God is preparing us today for the glory that’s coming through suffering; and this should humble us all, knowing that Christ died for us while still ungodly sinners, and even enemies of His (Rom 5:6-10). Think of all the trouble He bore so that we wouldn’t have too.
