In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
– 1 Peter 1:6-7
Once when my daughter, Amy, was about five years old, I took her to a local lake for her first small boat trip. So that we wouldn’t get wet while boarding, I beached the bow on the concrete boat ramp. As she attempted to climb in, the boat rocked back and forth violently on the V-shaped bottom. She panicked and refused to board. It took all of my persuasive powers to help her understand that once we shoved off into the water, the ride would be smooth and the rocking would stop. She needed to trust me. I would not mislead her – I loved her. It was a huge step of faith for her though.
Eventually, she climbed aboard, and she chuckled nervously as we coasted smoothly out into the middle of the lake.
God allows and ordains our boats to rock with various afflictions, yet we can trust Him. The rocking of our world will not last. Peter said our trials are just “for a little while.” Ultimately, we will drift on crystal smooth and peaceful waters, but we don’t have to wait for heaven to enjoy serenity. Though our faith is painfully stretched, He steadies us and limits the rocking. The process allows impurities in our faith to be shed from our souls. He is taking us somewhere better – into deeper waters where we are shown His glory!
Charles Wesley once said about trials, “We turn to God for help when our foundations are shaking, only to learn that it’s God who is shaking them.” He knows what He is doing. He would not mislead you – He loves you!
Lord, help us trust that Your purposes in allowing trials are for our ultimate good.
