Faith finer than gold

Tonight my Bible study group started going through 1 Peter. Here is a snippet from the Scripture we studied:

"In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith-more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire - may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls." (1 Peter 1:6-9)

One person pointed out the part that said "Though you have not seen him, you love him," and talked about the desire to call someone or something, when going through hard times. It is, indeed, likely oft the case when people automatically desire to draw close to humans in time of need, rather than instinctively pour out their hearts to a more seemingly intangible or more seemingly distant God. Of course God is near, but we can't see him, and these days at least most people don't audibly hear God's voice.

There IS something special about having faith in our God who we've not physically seen. In Jesus' conversation with Thomas in John 20:29b, Jesus says, "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."

And, another thought. 1 Peter 1:6 says "...though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials" ~

I like how it gives the time reference "for a little while" -- Really this "life is but a breath" (Ps. 39:5b). And only God knows when it is our last breath will be.

My sister mentioned a girl who danced in (and choreographed, I think) the song "Untitled Hymn (Come to Jesus)" ...part of the song goes like this:

"And with your final heartbeat
Kiss the world goodbye
Then go in peace, and laugh on glory's side...and
Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus and live!"

Anyway... that girl died. However, my sister had mentioned that she had been/felt really close to God in the time leading up to her death.

We just never know when it is our time to go. Even if we don't end up accomplishing anything big, even our faith can be a testament to others. Our faith is, indeed, "more precious than gold." In life, in death. And as believers we have "an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for" us (1 Peter 1:4). How precious is that.