“Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trial that has come on you, as though something strange were happening. Instead, rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed.” (1 Peter 4:12-13)
Life can get strange. Hard trials can come in that seem to interrupt everything. I’ve been learning about it. Maybe you’re in a trial, too? Or maybe you’re unsettled as you look out into the world. Truth is, life is filled with curve balls, but what if they are an opportunity? A choice? We might be tempted to bow out, to be overwhelmed and put our hands up in dismay and distrust. I’ve found the better option is to open our hands, to lift them, to praise when it doesn’t make sense. Strangely, more joy is yielded, more trust as well. Trials are an opportunity to trust the sovereignty of God. To come to the end of ourselves and find more of Him. To marvel at His sufficient strength in the fire, to see His glory revealed in a way we never would’ve before. Perfect Love and Living Hope wants to reign in us.
Are you at a crossroad? Allow the Lord to fan your faith into flame. Let your suffering remind you that Jesus suffered far worse, and through Him, we share in an inheritance where there will be no more tears.
Don’t count it strange when He calls you to trust. When He calls you to step out in uncomfortable ways. He’s only out to win our hearts and to grow us into His perfect design for our lives. He loves you, and me, forever and always.
“He must increase, I must decrease.” (John 3:30)
