Tried with Fire

"Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ,” 1 Peter 1:6-7, KJV.

The first part of the scripture above stated “wherein ye greatly rejoice” is referring to a couple of verses prior, “To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you.” Our hope rejoices in that inheritance that is reserved in heaven for us; the inheritance of eternal life with our savior who loved us while we were sinners. It is an honorable and pure birthright of those who have been born again under the blood of Jesus Christ. It is a birthright that can never be taken away.

Knowing what we have to look forward to, let us consider what we may go through here on earth. The scripture states “though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations…” For a season…for a season is not forever. There may be certain times in life where we encounter burdens through various temptations. Somebody may be going through a failed marriage, burdened down with a sick family member, experiencing job-related problems, struggling with financial issues, or depression from all of the above. But we have to remember that God is our hope, and no matter what we go through here, never lose sight of what we’re striving for.

Our fight is not one of money, a job, a marriage, or maintaining this body that is going to fade anyway, our fight is of salvation. Through it all we must continue to praise God on the road to victory. It can be depressing to witness loved ones sick or hurting, I know. It can be difficult and trying to be on a job where you’re not appreciated and mocked because of your faith and belief in Christ, I know. It can be worrisome to be without income and bills still pouring in, I know. And what I had to learn in the process is that I had to trust and call God at His word.

He said that He would never leave us nor forsake us, this it truth. He said that He will not put more on us than we can bear, this is truth. He said that He will supply ALL of our needs according to His riches and glory in heaven, this is truth…all of it is the truth. So, after I grasped the concept of what God was really saying to me and every other Christian, I stopped trying to carry the load all on my own. And I also had to realize that certain things I brought on myself.

Temptations come, but know that God tempts no man. God is the deliverer, the devil is the tempter. The scripture specifically states “if need be” we experience heaviness through various temptations. Some of things we go through are caused by our own decisions. It’s not always God testing us, often it’s the devil tempting us.

“That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.” Notice also what is stated in James 1:12, KJV, “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.” Endure—carry on, to the end. When the crying and hurting and aching are all done…the reward, the inheritance, will have been worth the trial.