Be Encouraged

"In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;" 1 Pet 1:6-7

There is not one among us who does not at one time or the other experience problems, difficulties, tragedies and loss.  Issues come up in personal relationships, work situations, neighborhood interactions, finances and even misunderstandings among those with whom we worship.  Speaking of worship, there may even be times that we are subjected to persecution because of our beliefs.  None of us should be shocked by this.  In fact this situations should actually encourage us and give us cause to rejoice.

Beloved, as Christians, we are called upon to be a different type of person with different beliefs, hopes, dreams, perspectives and certainly different responses to trials and difficulties.  Our savior has taught us by his word and his example that life and reality are bigger than our current circumstances. There is an entire eternity before us against which many of the things we endure today diminish into triviality.  We are sons and daughters of the living God!  That must mean something to us and by extension, those who come into contact with us.  We must look at these events, situations and circumstances as simply faith builders (our faith being more precious than pure and refined gold).  Think about it this way: there is not a single situation out of which God has not delivered you or is not currently in the process of doing so.  Not one.  When he delivers us, our faith that he will do so the next time and the time after that and the time after that grows.  We will eventually come to rely on him completely and begin to accept trials with joy, knowing that God has us now as He always has.

There is one more thing that helps us grow into this mindset and this truth: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,  to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time" 1 Pet 1:3-5 (emphasis mine).  We have every reason to be encouraged, even in the midst of the worse life has to offer.

Increasing in faith,

Lee