Rejoicing

I've been meaning to do this post for a LONG while, but never got around to it. This is picking up from previous posts about Hope, which is the theme at my church right now! This comes from 1 Peter, Chapter 1. Here is a little mini sermon, per se, on how we can rejoice in times of trials. I think this is perfect for us CFers, or parents of a CF kids. Although it can be applied to ANY situation involving trials!!

So....during our times of trials, we can rejoice in knowing that:

1). The Lord is in Control. "In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials," 1 Peter 1:6
We are chosen by God, and God is working in us during times of trials. We may even have more trials or problems because we are believers. We will suffer according to God's will. But we can rejoice in knowing that HE is in control, and the suffering will only be for a little while.

2). The Lord is refining our faith! "..so that the tested genuineness of your faith--more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire--may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ." 1 Peter 1:7
NOTHING happens by accident. There is no fate or Karma, if you are a believer in Jesus Christ. During times of trials, the Lord wants us to show that our faith is authentic. HE is burning off all of the impurities. So next time you are facing a trial, sickness, death, etc....just remember that the Lord is testing the authenticity of your faith!

3). The Lord is becoming more & more precious to us!! "Though you have not seen him, you love and trust him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory," 1 Peter 1:8
During these trying times...we realize how precious our Lord and Savior really is to us!

4). The Lord is close (intimate) with us right now (during the times of trials).
"...obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls," 1 Peter 1:9
The word "obtaining" refers to receiving on a continuing basis. We continue to draw closer to God on a daily basis. It is during these times of trials that God is the most intimate with us.

I think this is very comforting, relieving, and rejoicing to know that our times of trials happen for a reason, and that God uses these times to refine our faith, and become closer to each and every one of us! I know that my transplant-and VERY near death experience, was part of God's plan! The whole transplant journey, the 6 months it took for me to walk again, etc.,...God was testing my faith!! I grew SO much closer to him during that time...and even more afterward, after seeing how he used my trials to his glory!!

I hope this brings you some comforting news and something to remember next time you are facing a certain situation/trial in life!