So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. 1 Peter 1:6-7 (NLT)
It is easy to believe when things are going well. We know that God loves us and wants what is best for us. But our faith is tested in the hard times, such as when we hear bad news at work or when we get a bad report from the doctor. When our children turn away from us or God, that is when our faith is tested. When we have bills coming in that we are not sure how we are going to pay, that is when our faith is tested. As we go through these trials of our faith, we will prove if our faith is genuine or just words.
Prayer:
God, thank you for reminding me that even the trials I face serve a purpose. Help me to praise you in both good and hard times. I want my life to bring you praise, glory and honor. In Jesus’ name. Amen.