I Peter 1:7- "That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:"

At the dawn of a new year, I would venture to say that almost every Christian prays that the new year will be a good one. However, I wonder many times if their meaning behind that prayer isn't this: "Lord, please don't let anything bad happen to me this year." You see, that's their idea of a "good year", and if it doesn't meet that standard they begin to question God as to why He didn't answer their prayer. The problem is that their idea of a "good year" might not quite match God's idea of a "good year". I think that our text verse gives us some insight into the mind of God that will help us in this area.

God often allows us to face trials for one reason or another. Most often, I think, that reason is that our faith needs strengthened. You see, in my studies of Scripture, I have come to the conclusion that the principle of faith is one that touches every area of doctrine that is taught in Scripture. Faith is very important to the Lord. It is essential for salvation. It is needed in order to please the Lord. Our text verse even describes it as being "more preacious than of gold that perisheth". And it is God's desire that our faith in Him be strong so that it "might be found unto praise and honor and glory".

What I'm trying to get at is this: we need to make sure that our idea of a "good year" matches God's idea of a "good year". We may face "bad things" in the coming year that, to us, would constitute a "bad year". However, if we allow the trials to strengthen our faith in our Lord, then in His eyes it would constitute a "good year" because we come out of it closer to Him. The key is to remember that, even when it seems like He's not in control, He very much is. He has promised that things will "work together for good" for those who love Him. However, He never said that the good result would come through easy means. We are just told to trust Him completely.

Let's make sure that this new year is a good one in God's eyes!

faith...it seems we never have enough...very good devotional

thanks for reminding me that our good year wishes and God's Good year is not always the same. and in those trials is where we grow, gain our strength, and wisdom. We cant grow on that mountain top we have to have some of those valleys to grow in. thank again. :wub: Ya!!!!

I totally agree Pas Chad... I had a friend who at one time thought that nothing bad would happen to them since they were a child of God...wow were they surprised...
I was blessed to sit under a very good, balanced pastor for awhile who planted a lot of good things in my life. One of his lessons was that God will do anything to make sure that our spiritual lives are able to grow and flourish...He is more concerned with our souls than our comfort, our earthly happiness, even our physical health. And if we hold too tightly to something that is momentary, we shouldn't be surprised if He decides to 'burn our barley fields' (an illustration from Kings)...I'll leave that to whoever reads this to find out about it, if you want to.
There are things I can 'see' happening in this new year that I know I can't call 'good' by any stretch of the imagination. Some of them will be incredibly painful, and that's just what I can see, that's not even counting the stuff I can't...
But God ultimately has a reason even for this.
And a thousand years from now, it won't matter.
What will matter is the condition of my soul.
Thanks Pastor for reminding me of this truth.

Sure is nice to have our Internet Pastor keep things in perspective for us. Thank you, Chad.

Thanks, Pastor Chad, for this timely reminder that God will always do what is best for us, even when what is happening at the present moment doesn't seem that way. Your devotional has spoken comfort to my soul.

Wonderful Bro. Chad...thanks

I know I for one have struggled with my Faith this past year and have asked the question why a great deal...but, I have also seen that the struggles have led me to reach for my Bible more and, although I am still struggling a great deal, I am also finding a new understanding....I am sure that as I continue through this I will be a stronger person in my walk with the Lord.

Thank you for posting this devotional..I seemed to find it when I needed it most.