“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal which is taking place to test you [that is, to test the quality of your faith], as though something strange or unusual were happening to you.” (1 Peter 4:12 AMP)
REFLECTION
By the grace of God, I’ve gone through all sorts of fiery ordeals to date, and yet sometimes I’m still surprised (and need to fight discouragement) when I find my faith being tested unexpectedly. I’m actually going through a test while I write this. But, praise God, that we can always turn to Him in honest prayer and trust Him to sustain us and help us pass the test. So let’s encourage ourselves in the Lord and encourage each other, mindful “that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”(Romans 8:28 NIV)
PRAYER POEM
Faithful Father, You are always worthy of praise, whether I’m delighting in pure pleasure or persevering through pain. Help me not to complain, but instead to remain close to You, trusting that You will see me through.
