FIERY TRIALS

Today's reading: 1 Peter 4-5

"Dear friends, don't be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad-because these trials will make you partners with Christ in his suffering, and afterward you will have the wonderful joy of sharing his glory when it is displayed to all the world." 1 Peter 4:12-13 NLT

Christian friend, are you going through tough times? A rough patch? A season of trying? Some fiery trials?

Consider what Peter tells us in these few verses:

1. Don't be surprised!

2. It's nothing new!

3. Be glad!

4. It marks you as one of Jesus's own!

5. It gives you a small glimpse of the suffering Jesus endured on our behalf!

6. When it's over, and it will eventually end, you will have a joy that has been run through the refiner's fire, cleared of all impurities and worth celebrating with wonderful joy!

So take a look at your fiery trial with these new lenses. Determine to follow God into, through and out of the season of trouble. Watch for opportunities to point others to Christ as you endure to the end.