A Message of Inspiration From the Author of Living Loved, February 23, 2025
Hey friends!! I have some friends going through the fiery trials of life and as I was praying for you all, the Lord took me to this set of scripture in 1 Peter.
“Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.”
I Peter 4:12-13
“All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, and we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see. So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These 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. You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls.”
1 Peter 1:3-9
And as I was praying I heard the word CRUCIBLE.
So I looked this word up and found the definition a situation of severe trial, or in which different elements interact, leading to the creation of something new in the Oxford Dictionary.
And isn’t it beautiful? No, not the trial, but His promises. His promises that says “hey trials are gonna come, but I am with you; nothing you face you face alone. Nothing you face I have not already gotten the victory!” The promise that he will not allow suffering without growth. Friends, sometimes life just flat out STINKS! It does.
People hurt us.
Jobs are lost.
Money is tight.
Friendships dissolve.
Life changes.
Seasons come and seasons go.
Loss happens.
And no, we are never prepared but we are also never alone! See sometimes we are in the CRUCIBLE. In the melting pot of trials, under severe fire. Where all kinds of different things or elements are interacting causing what feels like chaos, what feels like brokenness, what feels like disaster. But God! Like Shadrach Meshach and Abendego, you are not alone in the fires!! You are not alone in the melting pot. But like the definition of CRUCIBLE says, these things come together to make something NEW!! Your faith is being purified. You will not be in this season for ever!! This will pass!! It will and when it does, you will not be the same!! Let the Father do His great and mighty work, let Him purify you, let Him show you just How mighty he is!! Friend, you ARE SO LOVED!! So loved!!
About the author
Tracy Kelley is a follower of Jesus, mother, grandmother, author and speaker, living in Sulphur Springs, TX. She is the author of the book Living Loved, Learning to Live in the Fullness of Gods Love, where she shares encouragement from her daily journey and how God has shown His love to her through various trials. You can buy her book, find events, book her for your event, and follow her by going to her Facebook page, where you will always be greeted as friend! You can purchase her book at Good News Book Store in Sulphur Springs, TX; online at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and most other major retailers.
