Genuine Faith

1 Peter 1:7

"that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,"    NKJ

Genuine. The real deal. There are lots of counterfeits in this world. Some offers seem too good to be true, then you ask about them and find out that they are. Too good to be true... instead they are a gimmick, a deception, a lie of some sort. But we never know for sure until it is put to the test. We recently took a trip that was paid for by "points" that we had earned. Until the moment that I received a written confirmation, part of me was a little concerned that there may be a catch.

As Christians, we profess many things. We make comments about what we believe. We claim that we trust the Lord. We state that we will follow Him, no matter what. But until the trial or test comes, it is only lip service. There has to be the experience that bears out the proclamation. That is how the Lord tests and develops our faith...by putting it through some stuff that is bigger than us. When He does this, He wants us to pass. He wants us to be found faithful. When the Lord said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job?" God wanted Job to succeed in proving his faithfulness. He never sets us up to stumble or fall. We are only brought tests that we can stand through in His grace.

Our faith is more precious than gold. More precious than job security, health, or having a life mate. Our faith is the most precious possession that we have.

 I pray that when it is tested, it will be found to "praise, honor and glory" in the Lord Jesus, and that we may not be found ashamed before Him. Dear Lord, help me to pass the tests and trials that come. Help my faith to be found to be pure and sustainable. In Jesus' Name. Amen.