12TH DECEMBER
1 Peter 1:3-7
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honour at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
If you want to strengthen your faith, exercise it
When someone wants to build muscle, they know it doesn’t happen all at once. They don’t go to the gym on Thursday evening at 7pm and come out at 8pm bulging with muscles. No, they know that it’ll be a long steady process of exercise that makes them strong.
In the same way, God’s letting you know that annoyances, difficulties and trials can be used to gradually strengthen your faith. When difficulties come along, don’t view them as obstacles to your faith, but rather as opportunities from God for you to trust him and grow.
MAKE IT PERSONAL
How have you viewed your trials lately? Have you viewed them as opportunities to grow closer to God? Take some time now to respond to God. Ask him what he is wanting to teach you through those hard times in your life.