Trials #4—Necessary Testing

It may be necessary for you to suffer for a short time in various trials, so that the proven character of your faith … will be displayed, resulting in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 1 Peter 1:6–7

When Jesus walked the earth, his life was no bed of roses. The residents of his hometown drove him away; so he had no home. His closest friends misunderstood much of his teaching; so they deserted him in his hour of need. The crowds that followed him melted into an antagonistic mob. The religious and political leaders of his community hated him; so they killed him. Nevertheless, the one who came proclaiming and demonstrating the arrival of the Kingdom of God remained confident in and committed to his mission and his Master. Because he proved the genuineness of his faith in these, and many other, trials, the Father loudly proclaimed his joy: “I am very pleased with you!” All of this was part of the purpose and plan of God for Jesus’ life. The trials were necessary for him; they are just as necessary for us. In God’s economy, the claim to faith is no substitute for the confirmation of faith. Faith must be tested in order to be revealed. And when faith is confirmed, God is not stingy with his praise. He will lavish praise and glory and honor on us if we persevere in doing good in his name, for God rewards each of us according to our deeds. Deeds flowing from confidence in and commitment to Christ point to his grace and in return receive a resounding “Well done!”

Blessed God, may the prospect of such praise keep me rejoicing through my trials and into Christ’s triumph.