1 Peter 4:12-13
“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.”
Last week I came into the office to work on the next day’s Daily-E-Votional. I tuned into Rejoice Radio on my computer. Focus on the Family was on and a guest made a remarkable statement. “You are either in the midst of a painful trial, getting over one or there is one in your future.”
Wow! That hit me like a ton of bricks. The reality of what this man said is so profound that it is staggering. Every person on the face of this earth has to face the reality of ordeal.
I do not want to sound morbid, but if we do not realize the fact that we will pass through times of trial, we may be stunned when they come. Troubles may be the loss of a loved one, financial reversal, a disturbing medical diagnosis or any number of other issues.
Peter says in today’s Scripture that we are not to be surprised when we encounter troubles. They are a natural part of life. We read almost the same thing in James 1:2; “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds.”
How is the believer to respond to the adversities of life? It is made very clear here in 1 Peter; “But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.”
James seems to go a step further. He says that we are to “consider it pure joy.” That is impossible to do in our own strength. Only with the help of the Lord are we able to look beyond the trials and see our eternal reward.
You may have heard the expression; “That person is so heavenly minded that they are no earthly use.” I certainly do not agree with the idea that we are of no earthly use, but we certainly should be heavenly minded.
We can be certain that the things of this world will all pass away. The trials and tribulations of our present life will pale and fade when we slip the bonds of this earth and are with the Lord. What a day that will be!
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
— Pastor Cecil