Devotions  

1 Peter 1:6-9  "In this (faith that we're shielded by God's power) 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 godl--which perishes even through refined 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're receiving the goalof your faith, the salvation of your soul."

A prospector who discovers gold-bearing rock sends it to an assayer for evaluation.  Testing by fire will melt off most impurities, and the true gold will emerge purified.  Peter says that suffering acts in much the same way.  In addition, faith in the midst of trails will earn future rewards.

Sometimes God allows us to go though things tha makes us stronger, as well as our faith.  It would've been easy for Job to curse God and die, but He believed in a loving and just God.  And, although he didn't understand, he had faith that God had not left him.  In fact, when Job survived the test, God showed his face to Job.

It's easy to question God and try to do things our own way.  However, God has control over every situation.  He gives us a free will; it is up to us to ask Him to direct our steps.  Proverbs 3:5 says "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; lean not on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path."

I know that bad things happen to good people.  It's up to me to have faith that this too shall pass and God will see me through it.  I want my prayer to be that God wipes away the impurities as He puts me thought the refiner's fire.  And, when I make it though, God will show me His face. 

If you do not know Jesus as your savior, please ask Him to be a part of your life.  Salvation is easy.  Say this prayer, "God, I know that I am a sinner.  I know that my sins have separated me from you.  I believe that you sent your Son, Jesus, to die on the cross for my sins.  I believe that He rose again and is at your right hand today.  I thank you God for loving so much that you will never let me go.  Please come in to my heart, God.  Amen."

If you have prayed that prayer, I ask that you would email and share with us.  We would love to give you some guidance in your new relationship with God.  I also ask that if you need prayer, you would visit Rodeoattitude.com's prayer request message board.  Thank you for reading this and allowing us to minister to you.  May God be with you.

In His Love,

Jody and Amanda Newberry