Hang On

In this (salvation) you great rejoice,

even though now for a little while,

if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials,

so that the proof of your faith,

being more precious than gold which is perishable,

even though tested by fire,

may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

and though you have not seen Him, you love Him,

and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him ,

you  greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,

obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.

1 Peter 1:6-9

Our joy is in our salvation, so how are we to get through the trials of this life which are many? We hang on believing and waiting and knowing that as we hang on in faith, our faith will be rewarded when Jesus comes again. This faith is more precious than gold and will gain us eternal life with Jesus. It is worth the wait! We count as joy our various trials (James 1:2) knowing that these trials will cause our faith to grow and become steady through endurance. “And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (James 1:3). The rejoicing and joy comes in spite of this world’s sorrows because we are not of this world. An eternal perspective is needed to hang on.