1 Peter 1:7
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:
Faith is what determines the success of a Christian’s walk with God. The stronger a person’s faith is, the better they’ll be able to cope with trials and struggles, and the harder it’ll be to fall to temptation. Many Christians, if not all, like to believe their faith is firm and unmovable. We hope we have enough faith to be willing to die for God. But do we honestly know that we do? Is our faith like Joseph’s or Job’s, who lost everything but still trusted God? Or is our faith like the disciples’, who lost all faith when the storm arose?
I believe many times we won’t know until we get tested, which is one of the reasons God sends us trials. It’s a question I’ve had many times in the past. How strong is my faith? Is my faith true? Would I be able to cope if God put me through the fire? Or when the trial comes, would I curse God and throw it all away?
This past week, God decided to put me through the fire. When I saw my best friend fall and get seriously injured, the test began. While medics and other emergency personnel rushed to help my friend, I sat and prayed. I had no idea how bad it might be, and the same questions kept entering my mind: what are you going to do if he doesn’t make it? Will your faith stand? Will you trust God?
Then when I got word that he passed away, the question truly became real and hit me right away. What are you going to do with God and your faith? I sat, stunned at first, not knowing myself how I would react. And then the mercy and grace of God poured into my soul.
I had questions and sorrow, but no anger. A peace began to descend that I’d never felt before. I knew it would be hard for me and many others, but I also knew my friend was saved and now in heaven. The bitterness and anger that I thought I might feel never came. It was at that point that God showed me something: that the faith He had given me was real. His mercy and strength far exceed the fire he sends us through. And as God showed me that, my love for Him grew.
So don’t worry about those questions. Just focus on God and serving Him, and He will give you the strength you need at the right time. When the trials come, they will either build up your faith or break it. And if you let God work inside you through the fire, his love will shine forth through your faith to the weak in faith and the unsaved. Just make sure you are right with God so you won’t break.
Hebrews 11:6
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that his is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
I am so thankful that God gave me the grace to stay in the faith, and not give up. The pain will last as long as I’m on this earth, but I do know I’ll see my friend again. And while I wish it never happened, I want God to use this to build my faith so I can please Him. I don’t know God’s plan, but with His power and help, I trust Him.
Don’t let the fire destroy you, but rather let it be used for God’s glory!