“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 (NIV)
If you are a true Christian, don’t be surprised at the painful trials that hit you from time to time. Our Lord Jesus cautioned us in John 16:33: “… In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” As long as we are in this evil world, we will face challenges. Hence, the Apostle Peter exhorts us in today’s anchor text: “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.” Christians should recognize that trials are inescapable in this world. Even Jesus himself faced many troubles in this world. So don’t be surprised when you encounter hardships and difficulties in life. Don’t be surprised when Satan and his demons tempt and attack you. Don’t be surprised when your co-workers hate and marginalize you. Don’t be surprised when your neighbors despise and slander you. Don’t be surprised when your enemies ridicule, insult and plot against you. Don’t be surprised when you are afflicted by one sickness or the other. How should we respond to trials? Peter teaches us not be ashamed, but rather rejoice and praise God that we suffer as Christians, not as criminals and then commit ourselves to God and persevere in doing good. Don’t be shocked when you encounter trials!
🛐 Meditation And Prayer:
Lord, give me the grace to respond to trials in a godly way.
📚 Further Reading: 2 Corinthians 4:16-20.
🔑 Key Lesson:
Trials are unavoidable in this world.
Source: The word Devotional by the Global Evangelical Church, Posted:Rashida Yakubu
