December 6

so that the proven character of your faith—more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. — 1 Pet 1:7 BSB

Trials and temptations are the tools God uses to reveal the reality and strength of the faith He has placed in the soul. Every trial and temptation opposes the faith within us and threatens its very life. They do this because, during the trial, God often hides Himself. He still holds us up by a secret power, or else we would fall into despair and be overwhelmed by unbelief. This is where the struggle happens—between the trial that fights against our faith and the faith that clings to God in the midst of the trial.

When faith doesn’t give up in the heat of the trial, when it isn’t burned up or destroyed, but instead holds firmly to God’s promises and His faithfulness, that trial of faith becomes precious. It becomes precious to the soul when God smiles upon it again and proves that the faith is real. It’s precious to others who witness it, drawing strength and comfort from seeing faith endure. And it’s precious to God, who crowns it with His approval and seals it with His smile. But most importantly, it will be found precious when Jesus Christ returns, not only in His appearances of grace but at His final coming in glory. This is what the Apostle speaks of when he says faith will “result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.”