Grumbling or Growing?

I was reading from 1 Peter 1:6-7 during my quiet time.

I sometimes grumble when I am going through some trial, at least in the beginning, but there is a need for me to be tested. There is a need not only to be tested, but to go through different kinds of trials. Each trial refines my faith a little more. Each trial and kind of trial gives me an opportunity to learn something about God that I did not know before.

God reminded me that in the midst of trials, which can sometimes be quite heavy, He provides a fountain from which I can drink in His joy and peace. I can thank God for His presence, joy and peace. He is there with us to encourage and strengthen us.

In verse 7, Peter contrasts gold and faith. The most valuable and beautiful gold is the gold that has been refined in the smelter. The most valuable and beautiful faith is the faith that has been purified (refined) by the fires of various trials. I ask myself, "Am I letting God purify me, or am I still hanging on to my habits and my will?"

Gold eventually perishes. True faith is indestructible and eternal. The NET Bible says,

Such trials show the proven character of your faith, which is much more valuable
than gold - gold that is tested by fire, even though it is passing away - and
will bring praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. [The NET Bible First Edition, Biblical Studies Press, 2005;
2005.

I wrote the following prayer in my journal:

Lord, you have said that without faith it is impossible to please you (Heb
11:6). I want to please you. I don't want to keep going through different kinds
of trials, but I do want to please you. I want to have a faith that you can say
is "proven,' praiseworthy and honorable when Christ returns." I want to glorify you.
Strengthen and encourage me. Help me not to get my eyes off you. I want to
grow in my faith.