More Precious Than Gold

1 Peter 1:6-7 is a magnificent statement of the value of tested, genuine faith.  Peter tells us that trials test our faith in the same way that gold is refined and proved genuine by fire.  This passage reveals that saving faith is more precious than the most pure gold in the world.  Thomas Manton summed up the driving force of these verses very well, “If sore trials discover (reveal) the reality of grace, better undergo them than be without them; and we should esteem and prize these seasons of exercising and trying grace more than times of the quickest and greatest gain in the world.  A little comfort in a trial should make up (for) all the pain, shame, and loss that attended it.”  What a fine, concluding thought Manton gives us.  The spiritual blessing that results from our being tested will abundantly recompense us for whatever worldly benefits we lose in suffering.  This was a great encouragement to me yesterday, when I was in a great deal of pain.