12/10 1 Peter 4:12-13

¹² Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. ¹³ But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.

Trials are a part of human life; however, Christians have trials for a purpose. Whether we are a Christian or an unbeliever, we find that selfishness makes a person miserable. Greed will separate you from friends. Lust results in loneliness. A mature Christian will put these things to death. But that doesn't mean we are free from trials. Sometimes godly people will find their trials come from others' responses to their example of following Jesus. A godly life convicts those who observe it. To stifle their conviction, they will mock you or try to find fault with you. Other trials come as a part of our deep concern for others. There are also trials simply from living in a fallen world, trials such as sickness and the death of loved ones. This is what we should expect living in a sin-sick world.

God will use the trials of the godly to refine and mature them. They are like the things Christ endured when He lived among us. He wept like we do. He experienced the same hunger and tiredness as our own. He was falsely accused and physically suffered to a greater extent than most of us will ever experience. Those who suffer for righteousness' sake can look forward to the revealing of Christ's glory, for we will share in it (Romans 8:17).

Prayer: Lord Jesus, please help me to see past my suffering to the wonder of sharing Your glory. Thank you for the honor of suffering for Your name's sake.