Refiner's Fire

As an exercise read the whole of 1 Peter and see how many times it refers to suffering and trials of various forms. Peter is quite clear that the Christian life is not guaranteed to be easy - in fact from his letter you should conclude that hard is in fact normal!

Live different - suffer even for doing good - hope that your inner beauty will shine through - don't sink to the standards/tactics of those around you - be prepared for physical suffering just as Christ did - in fact rejoice when you suffer or are insulted because of your walk with Christ!

Are these hardships a nuisance, just something we have to put up with along the way? Peter would not agree: in chapter 1 verse 7 he asserts their refining characteristic, somehow 'proving' our faith. That is a scary thought - could we be part of the dross that is skimmed off rather than the purest material that the refiner seeks?

Yet through the whole letter also runs the answer to that - God wants us to pass the test. Be it the concept of election in chapter 1 verse 1, the recurring statements about Jesus making it possible for us to be saved, or the closing statements of chapter 5 (see verse 10), the deal is that God provides a way for us to win through. This is our living hope, looking towards an inheritance that can never spoil or fade.

Recognise and accept the refiner's fire along the way - it is normal and has purpose. Maintain faith and He will see you through. It will be worth it - trust Him.