Trial by Fire

Scripture: In 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 your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
(1 Peter 1:6-9)

Observation: Times are tough, a lot of us are facing hardships we never would have imagined would come to us. Day after day we face test after test and it becomes harder to live our lives the way God wants us to. But when we remain true, and walk in obedience with the Lord, we build a genuine faith that He loves to see. Our loyalty and commitment to the Lord is strengthened by every trial we face. Granted there will be times when we slip and fall, but that's why it's so amazing that we have a forgiving God.

Application: I know I have to remain true to God's word. Coming back to my devotions is one way of doing that. When I strayed away, is when the world blinded me. The more I read of the Bible, the closer I come to the Lord. And when I walk in obedience with Him, the stronger relationship I build with Him as well.

Prayer: Dear Father, I know You'll never leave me Lord. Though I will sometimes stray, I'm glad that You will always bring me back to the path You've set for me. It excites me knowing that if I just follow obediently with You Lord, my relationship with You will grow ever stronger, and nothing can ever get in my way. You are an awesome God, and I'm thankful, and humbled that You sent Your Only Son to die for my sins. In Jesus' name, Amen.