One of our great hymns finds its origin in the passage we are examining. Do you remember the stanza from “How Firm a Foundation”? Many of us have sung these words for years:

When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,
My grace all sufficient shall be thy supply;
The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design
Thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine.

Beautiful lyrics, yet much more than that they are true words that are frequently forgotten when the blast furnace of suffering becomes our lot. Peter's instruction comes from a broad base of understanding. Not only was he personally experienced in the crucible, he lived in an era when Christians paid a price for their faith. This, therefore, is no theoretical treatise, but very real truth designed to help believers get through the fire of affliction.

1 Peter 4:12-19

Available on CD