A Different Perspective

Hello everyone,

How are you doing on this day? I hope well and bubbling in the Lord.

Primary Text

“Beloved, do not be amazed and bewildered at the fiery ordeal which is taking place to test your quality, as though something strange (unusual and alien to you and your position) were befalling you. But insofar as you are sharing Christ’s sufferings, rejoice, so that when His glory [full of radiance and splendor] is revealed, you may also rejoice with triumph [exultantly].” 1 Peter 4v12-13 (KJV)

The Bible here encourages us that when we are going through a fiery ordeal (trials), we should not think of it as something strange, or out of the ordinary or something to be amazed about. Paul speaking in 2 Timothy 3v10-12 (KJV) says “But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” What is the quality of your faith in God? Do you turn away because of the ordeals and trials you are facing? No beloved, please take a different perspective as encouraged in the Scriptures. Rejoice!!! Look through Scripture and all those that have gone on before us, whom despite the ordeals they faced, stayed strong in God, and did not look back. Think of our Lord Jesus Christ, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Sarah, Moses, Joshua, Joseph, Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, Daniel, Ruth, David, the apostles, … What you are going through is not strange, and we have every cause to rejoice that we are partakers of the suffering of Christ. Remember, this too shall pass!

Supplementary Text

“Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:” 1 Peter 1v5-7 (KJV)

Prayer

Heavenly Father we thank You so much for keeping us by Your power through faith. We pray for as many as are going through fiery trials at this moment, that You will grant them the grace to rejoice and find their rest in You. Father we pray that they will come out stronger and with every cause to glorify You at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, in Jesus name we pray, amen.