It’s natural to hope for the end of difficult times. It’s also normal to question the Lord as we struggle with our faith during periods of testing and doubt. But if we hang in, the reward outruns our imagining.

Peter writes of an inheritance kept in heaven, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

A faith tested by battle and hardened through persecution and trial gains a value far greater than I perceive. Gold, a metal still coveted and trading today at $1,674 per ounce, looks cheap in comparison.

The tested genuineness of faith is more precious than gold.

What does a tested, genuine faith look like? Confident, calm, trusting the Lord remains present and in control, patient and concerned for others. You want to stay close to such people. If possible, you and I want to become such a person.

As the trials of faith constantly swirl, persevere and keep one rare outcome in mind—the incomparable value of a tested genuineness of faith.

James 1 in reading the Bible cover to cover in 2022

Photo by Jingming Pan