Share the Sufferings of Christ
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. But insofar as you are sharing Christ’s sufferings, keep on rejoicing, so that when His glory [filled with His radiance and splendor] is revealed, you may rejoice with great joy. (1 Peter 4:12-13 AMP)
REFLECTION
I certainly don’t seek out suffering, but when it comes, options come with it. I can choose to either sulk and self-soothe, soak in self-pity, down spiral into a ditch of discouragement…or…I can turn to the only One who truly understands suffering and who promises to be with me in it and actually work it all together for my good and His glory. Every time I have opted for the latter, I’ve found that He meets me where I’m at and gives me grace to go through the fiery ordeal. We can trust that as we stay close to the Lord in the flames of adversity, we are being purified like gold. And this is why we can give thanks in all circumstances (see 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).
PRAYER POEM: Praise
LORD, I choose to praise You in pure pleasure and in piercing pain, because only You can truly transform me through every surging storm, tailored trial and blest test.
