May 4

Proved Genuine

"For a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials (testings). These have come so that your faith ...may be proved genuine." 1 Peter 1:6, 7

Are you going through a tough time right now? Is your life being tested and your faith shaken? Then these words from Peter are for you. Have you ever stopped to think about what the word "tested" means? I generally think of tests in relation to school; there they are given to see if we know what we should. But recently, it was brought to my attention that testing is what many products go through to see if they live up to what the manufacturer states. When I put this word "test" into that context, it sheds a whole new light for me. The tests, or trials, that are placed in our lives are put there to prove to those around us that we are the genuine article. That we are who we say we are: Christians. The world around us hears that we are Christians, but when they see us go through trials, they see our faith in God. When they see us living our faith, then they know we are the real article. This is how God shows others the quality of Jesus Christ and our faith in Him. This is how God shows the world that there is real value to having Christ at the center of one's life. This may be the greatest opportunity you may ever have to witness to God's glory! Preaching won't convince many of the value of Jesus Christ, but others are watching you and how you react during life's heavy blows. That's where the real sermon is preached, and that's where those around you will see the value of Christ, and that you are the genuine article!

Father, thank You for the trials and testings you have placed in my life. Make me genuine through them. I want to be like Christ. I want to be the genuine article, not an imposter. Teach me, make me and mold me as you see fit. Amen