A good, comforting passage of Scripture for all believers who are facing trials. The words that grab me every time are “if necessary.” The Lord only allows what is necessary to sculpt our souls into His image. The process is often slow and painful, but there are no wasted strokes. And when it is all over, we will be like Him.
—
Read this, Christian, and weep (for joy). I did.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
— 1 Peter 1:3-9
Photo by raquel raclette on Unsplash.
