1 Peter 1:6,7 “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;” The trials and hardships of life are the tools of The Lord. This passage speaks of the necessity of “various trials” and being “tested by fire”. The concept of difficulties being so positive is contrary to our culture. We use phrases like, “no bad days” and “life’s a beach” to attempt to make everything smooth and relaxing; almost like a vacation. Rest is good and even designed by God. However, He created the sabbath day to rest. That’s 1/7 of our week. That means that 6/7’s is designed for toil and action. What accompanies this is an endless cycle of problems and resolutions. These make up much of the trials mentioned in today’s passage. Persecution for our faith also is part of the difficulties. Our nature seeks to be rid of pressure, pain and hardships. That’s not wrong. It helps us to be motivated to fix these things. That’s part of the problem/resolution cycle. What’s crucial is our attitude within these times. Peter says we are to rejoice amidst difficulties. Our focus isn’t to be centered on our problems. If so, we wouldn’t have that joy. He speaks of the hope of salvation that will be finalized at the end. We addressed this the other day. While this is completed at the end, our salvation began when we received Christ. We have the joy of His presence and His guidance. The fact that we are saved and are walking this adventure with Him is wonderful. The trials are provided to us, designed by God. Just as a craftsman makes His cuts and moldings, so He uses our problems to shape us. A huge portion is our resting and trusting Him. He will give us peace amidst the storm. Psalm 107:28 says, “He caused the storm to be still, So that the waves of the sea were hushed.” While things are turbulant around us, He wants us to have peace in our hearts. That takes our yielding to Him. Proverbs 3:5,6 says, “Trust in The Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.” We aren’t to be like Jacob and wrestle with God. Unfortunately, we do wrestle. But that brings great unrest. As we continue to walk with Him, we learn to stop fighting Him. The more we yield, the more He gives us His rest. Jacob needed a hip injury to get his attention. We may have the equivalent. It’s not a bad thing. I’ve heard it said that a sheperd may need to wound a sheep if it keeps wandering off. This is a life saving injury. The pain of our difficulties can act like that. God is rescuing us. Lord, thank You that You use all that comes our way. Help us to yield to You and rest in Him.