No One Succeeds Without Efforts and Persistence Text for Today: I Peter. 4:12-17 “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange things happen to you.” (vs.12). I may not be there yet, but I am closer than I was yesterday, was what I told a young minister who felt frustrated at the spate of things in his ministry. Beloved, great difficulties can be surmounted by patience and perseverance. Everyone you see at the top of the ladder today has gone through some stuff yesterday. Whatever breakthrough that comes from God must pass through a process. It takes fire to purify gold, and when God gets ready to refine us, He uses fiery trials. Nothing brings luster to your character and commitment to your heart like challenges of life. If you see a man/woman whose life reflects the character of Christ, you are looking at somebody who has been through the refining fire of the Lord. Don’t be discouraged, it is often t...