Refined by Fire

We will be starting our new Bible Study series "Peter - Messages for the Suffering" in the books of  I & II Peter.  The image from I Peter 1:7 of gold refined by fire is a great illustration of our faith being made more pure and genuine as we are tested through trials.  As the "dross" in our lives burn away, we become more and more like Christ.   In this first chapter, we learn how important it is that in the midst of our sufferings, we turn our eyes away from ourselves and our circumstances, and onto God and the hope that is to come.  The sufferings of this world will end, for our eternal home is in heaven.  We are not alone in our sufferings - the passage encourages believers to love and support one another and reminds us that Christ also suffered and is with us.  So, in the midst of suffering, we can cling to our hope and we can still rejoice; for we are assured that everything that God has said in His Word is living and enduring, and stands forever.