In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials.   1 Peter 1:6  NASB

Various – Peter uses an interesting adjective to describe the testing of our faith.  It is the word poikilos.  It does not mean “many.”  Instead it means “of a wide variety.”  Literally, it means “many colored.”  It is not the number of trials that Peter is emphasizing.  It is the variety, the many facets that trials come in.  Variety, we say, is the spice of life.  What if we applied this aphorism to our journey with God?  Would we rejoice in the complexity, diversity and compass of our distresses?

Trials of faith usually seem to come in waves.  Each one has a unique shape and color.  But they are all variations on the same theme.  I remember going to the ocean when I was a teenager.  My brothers and I loved to jump waves, but not every wave was a challenge.  We had to wait for the “big one.”  So we would wade into the water and count.  Soon we discovered that there was a pattern, a big wave followed several smaller waves, then another big wave would crash around us.  We had a great time jumping up and down in the water, being carried along on the big ones.

I find that my life with God is like standing in the waves.  A big trial comes along.  It knocks me off my feet and carries me someplace I did not think I would go.  But soon I am standing again, on the promises of God, feeling trust and confidence in Him.  Small waves don’t rock me too much.  Especially the small waves that I have experienced before.  I hold my ground with God.  Then along comes another “big one” and suddenly I can’t keep my footing.  The force of the blow carries me along to another venue.  Some months ago I went through a tsunami.  God rearranged my life completely with hurricane force.  Then I learned to stand confidently on His word.  Today another “big one” arrived.  My emotions crashed against the ocean floor, rolling me over the rough sand.  The waves around me are dangerous.  When I get knocked down, it hurts.  But I trust Him.  He is all I really have.  God is the Master of my world, including the waves.  His variety really is the spice of life.

“Here I am, Lord, clinging to You.  Keep my head above the water.  I’m holding on to Your promises as best I can.  Don’t let me drown even if I get knocked around.  Help me stand against the waves today.”

Topical Index:  various, poikilos, waves, spice, 1 Peter 1:6