SATURDAY August 22, 2026

Genuine Faith

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ....
1 Peter 1:6-7

Remember, Peter spoke to a persecuted church––to those who were going through the fire, through severe trials. Yet they still needed to have an attitude of rejoicing. In the previous verses, Peter helped them to rejoice by fixing their faith on a future hope––an eternal inheritance. He reasoned that, even though their sufferings were grievous and hard to endure, in light of eternity, they would only last for a little while.

What trials are you facing today? Are you losing your job, and has it caused a financial mess? Perhaps you are facing a divorce, and you feel completely abandoned. Know this one thing: God is in full control of your life. He sees what you are going through and extends to you His love and care. God is there in your darkest moments. He has promised to always be with you since you are His son or daughter. Underline Isaiah 43:2 in your Bible:

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you.

Listen, the trials God allows in your life will test the genuineness of your faith. So many people walk away from the Lord when their faith is tested, but genuine faith endures. No matter how fiery the trial its purpose is to purify your life and build your Christian character; then, when Jesus is revealed, your life will be found worthy of praise, honor and glory.

Again, always remember your trials are temporal; they are not forever––they are only for a season. Trials are like sandpaper; they refine us so that we can become better Christians and communicators of the Gospel. When your life comes to an end, you will be taken to heaven where there are no more tears, pain, sickness or death. No more trials!

In heaven we shall see that we had not one trial too many.
~C. H. Spurgeon~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!