Next Wave International™
www.nextwaveonline.com


Daily Recharge
Mal Fletcher

Trials

29 March 2024

1 Peter 1:7 'These [trials] 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.'

Contrary to popular opinion, trials don't come into our lives to produce faith. They come to prove faith. It's how we respond to tough times that reveals what is already within us. When we're tried, we're literally put to the test and our faith in God is scrutinized. It's when we face problems that we discover how strong is our character and our faith, and others can see the victory of that faith over adversity. That is when our trials not only encourage us -- by showing us how far we've grown in the Lord -- they also honour God, by revealing the true strength of his power that works in us. In the end, our God-given faith is the only thing that can withstand the intense heat of life's fiercest battles. Those are the times when more perishable things, like riches and possessions, fail us. The fire of trial can destroy them, but when held to the flame our faith actually grows stronger. Trials are allowed by God, not so that we grow weaker; they're permitted only to show us and others how strong we really are in God.

Prayer: 'Jesus, help me not to run or hide from life's tests. Help me to overcome them, showing just how strong is this great faith you've given me.'

© Mal Fletcher 2003-2004



© 2024 Next Wave International™
www.nextwaveonline.com