I had to "work on" that passage for many years before the meaning became clear to me. The breakthrough, which came recently, came not from reading that, but from this, after hearing it expounded by two different pastors in one week (a sign!):
1Pet. 1:6-9 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.
I had to "work on" that passage for many years before the meaning became clear to me. The breakthrough, which came recently, came not from reading that, but from this, after hearing it expounded by two different pastors in one week (a sign!):
1Pet. 1:6-9 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.
I do believe we should want this testing!