1 Peter 1:6-7

1 Peter 1:6-7:

You may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.  These have come to you that your faith…may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

The world tells us that suffering builds character.  Laying that mentality aside, when we go through changes, the loss of loved one, broken relationships, it is hard to see why it is happening.  There are times when our suffering and grief comes as the result of bad decisions, unwholesome living, or the unkind treatment of others over the years.  However, there are also times of pain that have nothing to do with our own actions at all.  Nevertheless, hard times come so that we can stop reflecting on ourselves, and turn to God for help.  When we acknowledge the truth about ourselves, and repent to the only One who can truly repair and restore our broken hearts and lives, then our faith can grow.  We can learn how to depend on God, and praise Him for His ultimate sacrifice, Jesus Christ’s death on the cross to save us.