March 24, 2015: 1 Peter 1:6-7

We encourage you to read this devotion three times a day.  Start in the morning and reflect upon the morning reflection question. Then in the afternoon, read it again and reflect using the noon question for reflection.  For the evening, take time to ponder how this has resonated with you in the day and reflecting using the evening question.  We offer a prayer with each devotion for you to pray or we invite you to pray what is in your heart.

1 Peter 1:6-7

In this you rejoice, even if now for a little while you have had to suffer various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith – being more precious than gold that, though perishable, is tested by fire – may be found to result in praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

Reflection:

There are times in life when we feel like we are “waiting on God”…waiting on some answer or direction for our life.  Where does God want us to go?  What does God expect of us?  What’s that plan?  Waiting for answers can be excruciating.  When we choose to wait on God and show patience, we sometimes are pressured by others to DO something.  The world tells us to act quickly and decisively, but God calls us to be still and wait.  Faith is often the opposite of what a person would naturally be inclined to do.  Waiting on God doesn’t always make sense to the outside world.  It is difficult to seek God’s guidance and be patient for an answer.  However, this faithfulness and patience is rewarded.  Today’s Scripture verse reminds us that suffering and trials can bring genuineness of faith, which is more precious than gold.  We live in a fast-paced world that calls us to instant gratification, but faith is polished to perfection over time. 

Reflection Questions:

 Morning: As you look forward to your day, ask God to show you ways that you might show patience and wait on answers.

Noon:  Have you ever experienced a period of prolonged waiting?  Does waiting make you anxious?  How is your faith tested when you have to wait?

Evening: God calls us to be still and wait.  What do you need from God at this time?  Before you sleep tonight, practice breathing and emptying your thoughts from the clutter of the day. 

Prayer:  Lord, may I always remember that trials and challenges can be opportunities to strengthen my faith and that my faith in You is more precious than gold.  Thank you for your mercy and kindness.  Help me to rely on You for wisdom and understanding and help me to be faithful and patient when I am waiting.