A Little While, If Necessary (1 Peter 1:6-7)

Word for word

DeWayne read 1 Peter 1:6-7 from the ESV because its word-for-word phrasing keeps two small details other translations lose: "for a little while" and "if necessary."

A little while isn't small

What you face might be enormous. "A little while" to a two-year-old is twelve seconds, and to an 80-year-old it's a couple of years. Measured against eternity, any trial is a dot on a fishing line stretched from Boston to Los Angeles.

If necessary

God doesn't hand out pain for fun. When a trial comes, it has a purpose, and often that purpose is proving your faith genuine. Saying "I love You, Lord" is easy until the fire comes.

Better than gold

Gold was refined by fire until only the pure metal was left, and even gold perishes. Your faith is worth more. One participant also pointed new believers to the rest of 1 Peter 1 (verses 13-25) as a short, clear summary of the gospel and of how to live it.

Try this

• Read 1 Peter 1 and James 1 side by side.
• Thank God for what a past trial built in you.