Be Truly Glad For Tough Times

1 Peter 1:6-7 -   So be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead, even though the going is rough for a while down here.  These trials are only to test your faith, to see whether or not it is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire tests gold and purifies it—and your faith is far more precious to God than mere gold; so if your faith remains strong after being tried in the test tube of fiery trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day of his return.

Peter had the hard job of encouraging new Christians that were suffering true persecution from the government and those that did not believe in Christ. On top of the economic and personal struggles they were dealing with….those that chose to follow Christ added to their problems the real threat of persecution if their faith choice went against the government wishes.

Many countries have seen this for years. They must meet in secret…hide their Bibles…and find some way to keep God the master in their life…knowing that it may mean severe beatings…imprisonment…or even death. We have enjoyed religious freedom here in the US for centuries…but I feel lately that I am watching the core of that system being  worn down bit by bit to the world’s standards as well.

I admit too that it is hard to follow Peter’s directive here…to truly be glad that things are so bad…seems the opposite of what we should do. But think about Peter’s background here. Peter knew firsthand how tests of faith made you stronger. He failed once himself…and knew how the love of God through his son Jesus could restore and strengthen even the worst of slip ups in faith. The restoration process refined him into a much stronger Christian.  He knew how to use his weaknesses to God’s advantage. He knew he was striving for a goal that was not of this world.

Father…thank you for the reminder that you have promised joy unthinkable to those that follow you in true faith.  Forgive me for the times that I have let simple hardships…and pain in life tear away the faith that you have tried to build in me. Strengthen me for the real test that is coming God….and help me know how to stand strong for you no matter what.  Amen.