1 Peter 1:7 KJV
[7] “that the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:”
Peter declares that the believer’s faith is a precious faith. The trials of life develop our faith and make it stronger. They have a way of bringing priorities to the surface. They allow us to forget the unimportant things and focus on the things that matter. Trials point us to our only hope in this world, and that is our faith in God. Faith is so precious to us when we stand by the bedside of a loved one as they pass from death unto life.
Peter also reminds us that our faith is tried with fire. The fiery trials burn away the dross of this world and reveal who we are as believers. If anyone is qualified to speak on this subject, it is Peter. The trial of Jesus before the cross revealed Peter’s weakness and lack of faith. It showed him that he was not as strong as he had proclaimed to be. However, the failure of Peter’s flesh is what God used to strengthen his faith. Jesus told him that He had prayed that his faith would not fail, and it did not. The fact that Peter went out and wept bitterly after denying Jesus revealed he was a man of faith. Judas shed no tears over his betrayal, but Peter wept greatly after his denials. What was the difference? The fiery trials revealed Peter’s faith and Judas’ lack of it. Peter’s denial strengthened his faith because it showed him how weak he was and caused him to trust Christ even more. It broke down the self-sufficiency in his life.
Finally, Peter points out that our faith is a priceless find. Faith in Christ is more precious than gold. Gold will tarnish and fade, but our faith will stand through the trials of life. Faith gives the believer what silver and gold can never give us. It gives us peace on our pillow, joy amid sorrow, and strength in our weakness. If you study the book of Acts, you will see that persecution never defeated the church but helped to spread the Gospel and strengthen other saints in their faith. Think about Christianity in the world today. The most dedicated Christians are not those who have much and live in peace and prosperity. Many Christians today have difficulty being faithful to church and reading their Bibles. They lack a burden for souls and service. The most dedicated are those with little or nothing and those facing persecution for their faith in Christ. Lord help us!