That of greater worth than gold...

1 Peter 1:3-9 - 'Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.'

I read this part of the Bible today - and was filled with amazement all over again. What investment could be of greater worth than gold in this time of economic recession? How exciting it is that God says that it is genuine faith, built even in the midst of oppression, trials, and grief - that would surpass the riches of that valuable mineral!

I think, people - especially Christians who do know the Lord - should invest a little more in serving God and seeking Him with their hearts, this season in time... instead of fretting too much over our jobs and mourning over the potential loss of earthly treasures. What is the point of being the most financially/job secure when our souls are not filled with the inexpressible joy that only can come from loving and trusting the Lord? May we surrender our lives fully to Him - and may our trials and genuine faith birthed from these result in praise, glory and honor to the Lord.

God, glorify Thyself in our circumstances.