SOAP Devotional 2014-04-03
Scripture – Observation – Application – Prayer
Scripture:
So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. (1 Peter 1:6, 7 NLT)
Observation:
We should be joyful even though we may have to endure trying times. Be joyful because of the results of trials. They prove your faith is the real deal, they purify us and make us stronger, and when our faith remains wrong through trials, it will bring us much praise and glory and honor on the day that Jesus is revealed to the whole world.
Application:
As much as I hate to say it, hardships make us better Christians when we stick it out. It proves us as well as purifies us and it makes us stronger. Although we may not feel joyful about the trial, we can be joyful knowing that the end result will be better Christians.
Prayer:
Father, I rejoice in the fact that my past, present, and future trial will make me a better Christian. Help me to keep my focus on the prize rather than the pain.
