Read the first two verses again -- we have gained access by faith into grace! Access to God!
"Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Hebrews 4:16
Amen!
"But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me." 2 Corinthians 12:9
"And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." 2 Corinthians 9:8
God's grace is sufficient. It is enough! The world tells us what we "need." No! Grace is sufficient!
People ask, "Why does God allow these things?
"Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;" Romans 5:3
Glory in our sufferings. Sometimes God allows us to be tests. Perserverance means we don't stop even though stuff is getting difficult. Challenges to our faith helps faith grow.
Biggest difference between newbies in the faith and those who have been through some stuff is they have drive -- they know getting through there is a reward at the other end. They understand the reward is worth the sacrifice. Charge right into the challenge.
Refiner's fire -- how many times you refine silver or gold -- the more you refine it the more pure it becomes. Just like us people. The more we are refined, the more pure our faith becomes, the stronger and deeper it becomes.
This third I will put into the fire;
I will refine them like silver
and test them like gold.
They will call on my name
and I will answer them;
I will say, ‘They are my people,’
and they will say, ‘The Lord is our God.’” Zechariah 13:9
7 Therefore this is what the Lord Almighty says:
“See, I will refine and test them,
for what else can I do
because of the sin of my people?" Jeremiah 9:7
We are going to continue to live in a world that is raising toward sin and evil. The only way to be purified is through the fire.
"their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work." 1 Corinthians 3:13
"Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you." 1 Peter 4:12
Perseverance brings character.
"As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received." Ephesians 4:1
Are you living a life worthy of your calling?
"For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,[a] 10 so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God," Colossians 1:9-10
"23 if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant. 24 Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church." Colossians 1:23-24
We aren't defined by what happens to us. We are defined by how we respond. That will change the world! Live in that grace everyday. We've been here before -- God will pull us out. Jesus has been there. Others have been there before. Our character progresses to hope.
"And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast." 1 Peter 5:10
It's not about us. It's about him. Challenge makes us stronger. Less of us, more of him.