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Aspiring athletes spend lots of time training to compete —whether it’s basketball, baseball, soccer, or any sport. They persist through intense workouts. They believe in the end it will be worth it, not only to satisfy spectators, but also for the thrill of their own success. In some ways, they mirror the Christian life. Like athletes, Christians must sometimes endure rigorous testing their faith. Days of disappointment, doubt, dreariness, and even satanic assaults may come their way because of our faith in Christ. To encourage God’s people in times like this, God left us a word through the Apostle Peter. He wrote in 1 Peter 1, “[Trials] will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold – though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.” Peter tells us that our faith in Christ assures us that our past sins are forgiven, that our present trials are temporary, and that our future inheritance from God is certain. Such a complete package of benefits can encourage us to stand firm, to persevere, and to serve God faithfully every day.
