In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
— 1 Peter 1:6–7 —
Santiago Fuentes Hernández: Word of Grace Biblical Seminary | Mexico
When I entered fifth grade, my new teacher was a friend of our family. He had taught my three older siblings, and he knew me as well. But he wasn’t going to give me an easy ride. Throughout that year, he pushed me to work as hard as the other students. It was a tough year, but I look back on it with gratitude. We rejoice because we have been chosen, born again to a living hope, and made heirs. He tested me and showed me what kind of student I was. In today’s passage, Peter talks about being tested. He explains that we will be tested in our faith, yet as believers, we can rejoice in the trials. We rejoice because we have been chosen, born again to a living hope, and made heirs. We are also guarded by God’s power. Despite these privileges of being in Christ, we go through the same trials as the rest of our society: violence, economic crises, corruption, and much more. We face personal trials like sickness, unemployment, and family issues. Peter reminds us that these trials are allowed, for a little while, by our eternal God. We enter the furnace of trials only when our omniscient and loving God considers it necessary. Our faith is tested in many ways, but He is still sitting firmly on His throne. We can trust in Him completely. One day Jesus Christ will praise our faith, lavish blessings upon us, and promote us to the position He has promised in His Word. There’s no greater reward than that, and it is infinitely greater than passing fifth grade!
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