Genuine Faith
"In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith - of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire - may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed." 1 Peter 1:6-7
In our world today it is difficult to filter out the genuine from the fake, the truth from the lie. Social media can be an avenue to share the truth and also share fake news, We live in a society that seems to believe everything they hear and see without verifying whether it is true or not.
Many are seeking answers and direction in the wrong places. Most usually, when the truth is revealed, they have believed the lies so much that they don't want to hear the truth and then seek someone or something else to blame for their trials and tribulations.
For us as followers of Christ, what do we believe when the trials and tribulations come? Do we truly believe that God has a better plan ahead? Do we truly believe that God and Jesus are going before us preparing the way for a path that leads out of the darkness?
For me I thought I understood the meaning of genuine faith. Just believe in Jesus and live! This statement is true but the meaning of having faith, genuine faith, is revealed when you go through loss, grief, abuse, etc and can still rejoice and praise His name in these times of trouble. My deeper understanding of Genuine Faith and it's meaning came during my time of grief over the loss of my marriage. There were many dark days. Times when I would break down just going to the grocery store and realizing I was buying for one person, not two. Times when, as a Pastor, I had to get up on Sunday mornings and preach the good news of Jesus Christ even if I didn't feel like it. Times at Christmas, birthdays and other holidays where I struggled to put a smile on my face, but by the grace of God was able to do so. It has been 5 years since this happened I can truly say that I have come to know God on a deeper and more personal level. The phrase, "having faith as small as a mustard seed..." was all I had and God was there.
What I have come to understand is that Genuine Faith is not just a time of experiencing happiness and joy and thanking God for those times. Genuine Faith is also having the joy of knowing that God never leaves us or forsakes us, no matter what we have done or where we find ourselves. Genuine Faith is truly trusting and believing that all things work together for good for those who believe in Him.
In the darkness have faith and praise Him, In the brokenness, have faith and praise Him. And remember the words of the Scripture above, "In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith - of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire - may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed."
Refined by the fire with Jesus Christ by your side reveals the genuineness of your faith and having Genuine Faith is of greater worth than gold!
Praying for each of you that in the midst of your journey, trouble or trials you have and experience Genuine Faith and believe that there will be brighter days ahead! You are not alone! Jesus walks through the fire with you!!
Blessings and love to you all!
Gwen
