Do Not Be Surprised At The Fiery Ordeal
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. But rejoice inasmuch as you
participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his
glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are
blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it
should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as
a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise
God that you bear that name. For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s
household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do
not obey the gospel of God? And,
“If it is hard for the
righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”
So then, those who suffer
according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and
continue to do good.
1 Peter 4:12-19
Problems should not surprise
us. Just because we are Christians does not mean we lucked out on being tested.
It is even more important for us to be tested so that our faith can remain
true.
The trials we face are not
abnormal, and once we get past that surprise, we can turn to the Father who
ministers deeply to our hearts and in our lives. He has a love that never
fails. And in our world filled with trials, that kind of love
is desperately needed.
By the sunshine of His love,
God paints on our clouds the rainbow of His grace.
Our Daily Bread –