1 Peter 1:7 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.
Why does God allow us to suffer? Is our suffering part of God’s plan, will, or purpose for us? God may allow trials to come our way so that we can grow stronger in our faith and trust in Him. This is a difficult concept to accept because of our limited views about God and how God works in this world. We will face suffering of different types. This is common to all people. There may be times when God intercedes in the affairs of this world to stop someone from experiencing suffering. At other times, God allows the suffering to take place. In all of this, God has our good in mind. When God allows suffering, it is intended to help our faith growth stronger. That part of the equation is up to us. We have to respond to our suffering with faith. If we embrace doubt, the suffering will not do its intended outcome of strengthening us. In fact, the suffering will end up harming us or even destroying us.
Peter describes this faith that we have as greater worth than gold. The comparison in this verse is significant. We might think that gold is permanent. As a long-lasting metal, it does not rust much if at all. Our faith is worth more than even the purest of gold that has been refined and purified. This type of faith will last forever (1 Corinthians 13:13). This life is the time for purifying our eternal faith. There are parts of our faith that get jumbled up in life. But when Jesus comes again, the pieces of our faith will be put together again.
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