In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.
1 Peter 1:6-7 (NIV)
Joy and Grief in the Same Heart
Joy and grief can live in the same heart. Peter tells suffering believers that they “greatly rejoice,” even while they grieve “for a little while.”
Both at once. Peter lets the two stand side by side, and he gives them a reason to hold on. Their faith, tested by what they’re going through, is “of greater worth than gold.” Gold gets refined in fire, and gold still perishes in the end. Faith that has come through hard days will be there, whole, “when Jesus Christ is revealed.”
Peter makes room for the grief, and he puts a hope underneath it that lasts longer.
A Prayer to Remember
Lord, I’m grieving, and I’m trying to trust you at the same time. Keep my faith alive through this, and let me see the hope you’ve put under it.
In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
