Good morning. It is Friday, December 16, 2022. The old miners used to shout, “There’s gold in them thar hills!” … and off they’d go on an extended expedition with picks and shovels! Today, Peter motions us toward another gold rush. It’s hidden in our faith. Read on …
Today's Reading:
1 Peter 1,2,3,4,5
Scripture
“In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 1:6-7)
Observation
“… the proof of your faith” … there it is! That’s the stuff you sift through a mountain of rubble to find. That’s the metal of our faith that, when it surfaces, you know you have “struck it rich.” Upon finding a vein, it will make all the effort, all the sweat, and labor worth it!
This is what Peter describes as being “more precious than gold.” It’s not just “having faith” because there are many qualities, colors, and grades of faith. Faith can be a person’s religious preference, but it has little power to transform, and no influence on redeeming our lives.
Application
It’s the proof of my faith.
In other words, what proof do I have that my faith has made any difference? Has it changed the way I live? When I hit the wall of “various trials” and when I am “tested by fire,” are my responses any different from what they used to be? Am I a better person today than I was a year ago … or am I the same?
That’s what people leave their homes in search of; no, not gold — this is far more precious! This should muster the hearts of Christians more than anything else — not a gold rush, but a proof of faith rush! … where people can point to the proof of my faith and not just the declaration of it.
Sometimes we get a rush out of faith stuff — but that’s not the “gold rush.” It has to be more! Peter knew about this. He was known as a man of great faith. He walked by Jesus’ side for over three years … but when the chicken cackled, and the rooster crowed, he bailed out.
Proof … or … Poof?
Longevity does not necessarily mean depth.
Prayer
I am willing, O God, to do whatever it takes to serve Your purposes in this generation. I am set on seeing the proof of my faith. Therefore, teach me to press onward toward a deeper walk with You, and may Your Holy Spirit be pleased to work in and through us in this new year. May it be a favored season!
Sign up to receive Pastor Wayne's devotions daily
