FAITH REFINED IN FIRE

“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” – 1 Peter 1:7

The finest and purest of Faith is FAITH REFINED IN FIRE: “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” (1Pet.1:7). Faith is proved authentic and real when tested by fire – the fire of trials. Only faith tested by fire is genuine faith. We will never know the real value of our faith until it is tested by fire.

Our meditation text begins as a blessing to God, but also describes how incredibly He has blessed us in Christ. Because Jesus has risen from the dead, our hope is not a wish – it is as alive as He is: “…who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a LIVING HOPE through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (v.3). Our inheritance as God’s children is undefiled, eternal, and full of glory (v.4). Even in suffering, we have every reason to rejoice. The mystery of God’s plan of redemption has been revealed to us in Christ (v.5). We rejoice in response to God's great mercy, and our great hope of resurrection and eternal provisions. We rejoice even through diverse trials we face in the present time (v.6).

Peter then reveals the purpose of trials: to test, purify, and prove our faith (v.7). There is a purpose to every pain: “And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation works patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope” (Rom. 5:3–4). “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith works patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing” (Jam. 1:2–4). Every trial is an opportunity to choose to continue to trust God, in and through the trial; and to have our faith refined!

The good news is that with each faith-testing experience, our attitude and ability to deal with trials and tribulations become better and faith grows stronger. The Christian’s faith is compared with the classic standard for value: GOLD! When mined, this precious and beautiful metal looks dirty and dark. Like gold, our faith is refined and purified by the heat of trials, to become the brilliant, beautiful, and expensive metal. A refiner slowly melts the gold, carefully raising the heat – but never to boiling point. As it melts, the impurities rise to the surface and are removed, leaving behind a beautiful pot of gold. The real value of gold cannot be realised until it has been tried. There are no shortcuts to remove the dross and impurities.

Faith is Spiritual Gold! The refiner knows the gold is ready only when he can look into the melting pot and see his reflection. The fire removes what is not pure gold: all fakery, pretence and impurity. It’s the same in our lives – often, the impurities of our lives must be exposed to the Refiner’s fire so that He can scoop up the filth that was revealed under “fire.” And just like the refiner, God will never allow us to boil. Finally, when it’s all said and done, He can look upon us and see the beauty of His reflection in our lives. Unlike earthly gold however, our faith will continue to be of great worth even in eternity.

Beloved, do not despise the fires of trials you’re facing. The Lord will use the fire to prepare you for greater things in Him. Gold has many uses. It can be shaped by the refiner into any useful purpose. Pure, molten gold contains unlimited potential. As God burns away all that is not of Him, as He releases a faith that is genuine and which reflects Christ, He also shapes you for His perfect purposes. Submit to the Perfect Potter and watch how He blesses and refines you into His purest Gold!