Just Like Gold

I. Peter 1:7 "....the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold ...though it be tired with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ."
These words of Peter are certainly applicable today, but they have always been true. Godly character and testimony are of prime importance to God. Job recognized it in the midst of his heavy trials. He said (Job 23:10) . . ."He knoweth the way that I take: when He hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold".
Just as most people do, whether Chrsitian or not, Job appealed to heaven for relief from his troubles. Job felt he was suffering unjustly and wanted to state his case before God, but more importantly, Job desired to know God's will first. He knew God well enough to know that God had a purpose in his suffering, and Job asked for knowledge of that purpose. Job knew God's goodness; that He would not punish him for his questions, and felt that greater understanding would give him strength to continue. But without God revealing the answers, Job knew he was unable to understand or even find God.
God mercifully and lovingly allows trials to discipline, guide, and develop us. And, such trials will, in the end, work to our advantage as impurities are removed, leaving behind only that which is lasting and precious.
The goal of our lives should be to bring "praise and honor and glory" unto our Lord, and if tribulation can best accomplish these goals, so be it! David said, "before I afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word." (Psalm 119:67) God knows what is best for us. He knows what He is doing, and we can rest in Him. After all, the end results will make you "just like gold".