Tested Faith

Psalms 105:19: until the time came to fulfill his dreams, the Lord tested Joseph’s character.

Psalms 105:19: Joseph remained a slave until his own words had come true, and the Lord had finished testing him.

Psalms 105:19: Then the time he had spoken of came, and the Lord’s words proved that Joseph was right.

1 Peter 4:12-19: Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. {13} Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world. {14} So be happy when you are insulted for being a Christian, for then the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you. {15} If you suffer, however, it must not be for murder, stealing, making trouble, or prying into other people’s affairs. {16} But it is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being called by his name! {17} For the time has come for judgment, and it must begin with God’s household. And if judgment begins with us, what terrible fate awaits those who have never obeyed God’s Good News? {18} And also, “If the righteous are barely saved, what will happen to godless sinners?” {19} So if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you, for he will never fail you.

1 Peter 4:12-19: Friends, when life gets really difficult, don't jump to the conclusion that God isn't on the job. {13} Instead, be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner. {14} If you're abused because of Christ, count yourself fortunate. It's the Spirit of God and his glory in you that brought you to the notice of others. {15} If they're on you because you broke the law or disturbed the peace, that's a different matter. {16} But if it's because you're a Christian, don't give it a second thought. Be proud of the distinguished status reflected in that name! {17} It's judgment time for Christians. We're first in line. If it starts with us, think what it's going to be like for those who refuse God's Message! {18} If good people barely make it, What's in store for the bad? {19} So if you find life difficult because you're doing what God said, take it in stride. Trust him. He knows what he's doing, and he'll keep on doing it.

1 Peter 1:7-9: These trials are only to test your faith, to see whether or not it is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire tests gold and purifies it—and your faith is far more precious to God than mere gold; so if your faith remains strong after being tried in the test tube of fiery trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day of his return. 8} You love him even though you have never seen him; though not seeing him, you trust him; and even now you are happy with the inexpressible joy that comes from heaven itself. {9} And your further reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls.

1 Peter 1:5-9: God's power protects you through your faith, and it keeps you safe until your salvation comes. That salvation is ready to be given to you at the end of time. {6} This makes you very happy. But now for a short time different kinds of troubles may make you sad. {7} These troubles come to prove that your faith is pure. This purity of faith is worth more than gold. Gold can be proved to be pure by fire, but gold will ruin. But the purity of your faith will bring you praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ comes again. {8} You have not seen Christ, but still you love him. You cannot see him now, but you believe in him. You are filled with a joy that cannot be explained. And that joy is full of glory. {9} Your faith has a goal, to save your souls. And you are receiving that goal—your salvation.