RPG Adults
THE TESTING OF OUR FAITH
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3
1 Peter 1:7-9
Psalm 34:1-11
“…thy judgments have
I laid before me.”
THE TESTING OF OUR FAITH
The difficulties of the Christian life have a purpose. There is no such thing as good or bad luck in the life of a child of God. Our God knows even when a little sparrow falls to the ground. He cares for us much more than the sparrows (Matt 10:29-30). So, all that happens to us, rather than being by chance, is by divine plan. When suffering comes into the life of an obedient child of God, often its purpose is to test our faith (1 Pet 1:7). The testing is not for God’s satisfaction since He knows those who are His but in order that our faith may grow.
The testing of our faith is compared to the refining of gold which, when passed through the fire, has its impurities removed. As we follow God through trials, our faith grows and we become men and women of greater Christian character. And it is those of God’s children whose faith has grown through their Christian experience who will have “praise and honour and glory” (1 Pet 1:7) from the Lord on that wonderful day when we see Him. It is no wonder then that Scripture encourages us to rejoice in our salvation even though fiery trials come upon us.
The Apostle Peter commended the believers for their faith (1 Pet 1:8). We are reminded of Thomas, the disciple of our Lord, who doubted reports of the resurrection. He refused to believe unless he could see with his own eyes proof of the risen Lord. On seeing the Lord, he fell on his knees and believed. The Lord told Thomas that special blessing would come to those who believed without being able to personally see Him (John 20:24-29). Hebrews 11:1 reminds us that faith gives us the power to know as reality those things we cannot see. And it is through this faith, which grows stronger under testing, that we are able to love the Lord and follow Him. Heaven and its joys become a clearer reality through a growing faith. This enables us to “rejoice with joy unspeakable” (1 Pet 1:8).
THOUGHT: What is the result of the testing of my faith?
PRAYER: I thank Thee, Father, for the blessing of believing without seeing (John 20:29).