REJOICING IN TRIALS

“In 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 your faith – 

of greater worth than gold,

which perishes even though refined by fire – 

may be proved genuine

and may result in praise, glory and honor 

when Jesus Christ is revealed.”

I Peter 1:6-7

lupĕō³⁰⁷⁶ – to distress; reflex. or pass. to be sad: - cause grief, grieve, be in heaviness, (be) sorrow (-ful), be (make) sorry.

pĕirasmŏs³⁹⁸⁶ – a putting to proof (by experiment [of good], experience [of evil], solicitation, discipline or provocation); by impl. adversity: - temptation, X try.

            A sunflower stands out in a field, a big, bold blossom atop an ugly, prickly plant. A Christian who rejoices amid tribulation, stands out in the crowd. He may be a martyr bearing witness of his faith in Christ to his executioner. Or she may simply be a worker who does a difficult job with a good attitude amid grumbling coworkers. A rejoicing Christian remembers that this life is temporary and “our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18b).

            Father, help me to brighten my environment, standing out like a sunflower, by radiating your love and rejoicing in you even when the going gets tough. When trials come, remind me that you are refining my faith and proving it genuine. May all praise, glory, and honor be yours.