“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has begotten (brought) us to a living hope through the resurrection of Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, TO PROVE THAT YOUR FAITH IS REAL…” (1 Pet. 1:3-6)
In order to prove that your faith is indeed real you are filled with GREAT JOY WILL, by being kept safe by the power of God, through your suffering… “…being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, MAY RESULT IN PRAISE, GLORY AND HONOR when Jesus Christ is revealed.” (1 Pet. 1:7)
As strange as it may sound WILL our joy through suffering brings great glory to God because He is able to SUSTAIN US THROUGH OUR TROUBLES. “…That will happen when Jesus Christ returns. Even though you have not seen Him, you love Him. Though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him. YOU ARE FILLED WITH A GLORIOUS JOY that can’t be put into words” (1 Peter 1:5-8)
It is this GLORIOUS JOY OF THE LORD that is a testimony to the world.
“I trust in you with all my heart. DON’T LET ME WANDER AWAY FROM YOUR WORD.” (Psalms 119:10)
WILL, OUR GOD IS HONORED THROUGH YOUR SUFFERING…
-Bill Stockham