Blessed be the GOD and Father of our Lord Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of GOD through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honour, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen, you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith – the salvation of your souls.
1Peter 1:6-9
Even as a pearl is not formed without extreme pain and a diamond is not formed without extreme pressure for a season, that at the time seems unbearable and unending, we also need to go through trials that bring pain and pressure so that we can come forth as precious jewels before the Father. Even as gold and silver are refined by fire, so we too go through fiery trials so that all the dross of sin that so easily beset us is destroyed and we come forth as pure gold in the Father’s care.
Some may say that we were made righteous through the shed blood of Jesus on the cross when He who knew no sin, was made sin for us. That is indeed true of our spirits which once were dead in sin and now are alive and seated in heaven with the Father. However, our minds were not instantly purified, although many traits may have left on the day we were saved. Our minds are constantly being transformed by reading the Bible and drawing closer to GOD through prayer and worship by faith and by trials which bring growth and teach us to stand, having done all to stand, against the perpetual onslaughts of the powers, principalities and spiritual wickedness in high places. We are in a constant spiritual war and our minds are the battleground. The enemies’ swords are always sharp and we therefore need to keep our swords in mint condition by speaking in line with the Word of GOD when negative thoughts try to invade our minds. Whenever we speak words contrary to the Word, another battle is won by the enemy of our soul.
Children of the Most High GOD, don’t ever give up, no matter what life throws at you. At times you will grow weary in the battle and at times you might cry in frustration and pain. When you do, look up. GOD has prepared a table for you in the midst of your enemies. There is a spread consisting of bread and wine, of milk and honey, and of nine sweet fruits of the Spirit. Rest a while and eat your fill so that you might regain your strength to carry on. The battle will soon be over. The KING is coming!