1 Peter 1:7. The best example that comes to my mind when i read this passage, is found in the book of Daniel chapter 3, when the three friends, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego were thrown into a burning fiery furnace, they didn't think twice to answer the king when they were told to bow before the image, they act in faith even not knowing the outcome (life or death): Daniel 3:16-18. They were clear that even facing death they wouldn't worship other gods (Faith + Works). The amazing part, is when Jesus Christ appears among them in the midst of the fire. We can see the reality of what Peter is saying, the friends' faith was literally tested by fire. Bringing this to our reality, many times God allows our faith to be tested "by fire" through sickness, loss of a loved one, hardship, etc. In fact, that's when we'll realize the genuinely of our faith: If we stand firm our faith is genuine, if not, what we had was everything but faith. Another purpose for the "fiery furnace" is to purify our hearts, to allow us to be holy and stand before the Lord: Psalm 24:3-4. I believe that if we want to be in God's presence, we should constantly pray Psalm 51:10. So, how can we know if our faith is genuine? If we stand firm to the end of the test (trial or tribulation)! Revelation 2:10.
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