The Upward Look
© Copyright 2009, Max D. Hutto,

“These 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.”
   1 Peter 1:7 NIV ©

Various trials, struggles, and persecutions come into the believer’s life in order that his faith is refined. Peter compares faith to gold that is made pure by the refiners’ fire. The gold ore is melted and the dross and impurities are skimmed off or burned by the fire leaving the pure, genuine gold. Trials and sufferings serve the same purpose to one’s faith, burning off the impurities and leaving a genuine, real faith. While pure gold is valuable, it will perish, but faith is more precious and will last for eternity. Faith that has been proven and tested by trials will result in praise, glory, and honor on judgment day.

Lord Jesus, help me to accept the trials and sufferings that I face as a way to grow closer to You. Help me to totally trust in You especially during the tough times.

* (footnotes & credits)

NASB ©
The Bible quotes marked NASB are from the New American Standard Bible,
© Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977,
by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, CA. (used with permission)

HCSB ©
The Bible quotes marked HCSB are from the Holman Christian Standard Bible,
© Copyright 2000 by Holman Bible Publishers (used with permission).

NIV ©
The Bible quotes marked NIV are from the New International Version,
© Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, by The International Bible Society. (used with permission)