Devotion for March 7
By Bryan Chapell

Now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith — more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire — may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ (1 Pet. 1:6-7).

Often, we experience Jesus more intimately during times of trial. Though no one should desire such seasons of difficulty, Scripture describes the beauty that comes of emerging from them by faith. 

The Apostle Peter’s words remind me of the Japanese art of mending broken pottery with melted gold. Kintsugi pottery is renowned as “more beautiful for having been broken.” 

As much as I don’t want to be broken, I am thankful for the example of how something damaged can be made more beautiful than the original. A wise preacher once said, “It is unlikely that God can use anyone for great purposes, until that person has been broken by trials.” 

When I’ve been bruised, battered, and broken, I am reminded that Jesus helped me through those difficulties, and he can do the same for others. If I never had to turn to him or ask his healing, then how would I or others know his grace. 

When we reflect the beauty of Christ that comes from our mended brokenness, the world sees more of God’s grace and so do we. 

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, when I’m tested by fiery trials, may you refine me like gold, so that I can glorify you and shine the beauty of the Savior who mends me. May my witness for you be more beautiful because your grace has mended my brokenness.

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