Out of DarknessSample

Grow Your Faith in the Fire

When I was young, I remember days were either good or bad—it could never be both. Circumstances either made it a 100% good day, or a 100% bad day. Have you ever been there before?

Throughout Scripture and in my own life, I’ve seen that having a radiant, vibrant faith often goes hand-in-hand with trials. In 1 Peter 1:6, the Apostle Peter encourages us, "In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials." In other words, we can experience both great joy and deep pain simultaneously as we walk with Jesus.

Friend, we all go through fiery trials at times—but the amazing reality in Christ is that our pain will only go so deep for so long. Why? Because we can walk through life with a living, ultimate hope in a God who brings life-out-of-death and triumph-out-of-tragedy.

Look what Peter says about trials in 1 Peter 1:7: "These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed." You see, this tested faith of ours will go through fire—just like gold. God allows trials and tests to purify our faith and strengthen our relationship with Him!

As you engage with God’s Word:

● What is God saying to you?

● What does it mean to you?

● What action step do you need to take?

After you reflect on these questions, bring everything to God in prayer.