“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.” 1 Peter 4:12
November 28, 2023
It’s one thing for non-Christians to be astonished by the transformed lives of Christians (1 Pet. 4:4). We could expect that, but for a follower of Christ to be surprised by suffering is another kind of problem. Peter is gentle with those who are confused by afflictions (reminds them they are loved). Christians are called to a cross-bearing, self-denying, cost-counting life in Christ. This is not incompatible with our redemption in Christ. To be identified with Christ draws Satan’s attacks. He is cunning and cruel with an appetite for believers in Jesus Christ. The world will persecute Christians because of its hatred of Christ. A problem is that there are those who will attempt to convince believers that God does not want us to endure pain and suffering. “It’s all the devil’s fault” they tell us. To the contrary, God in loving sovereignty uses afflictions of all kinds to test us. Suffering has a way of bringing to the surface, like heat that burns away impurities, attitudes, dependencies, and wrong expectations that need to be put aside. It is possible to experience joy in Christ while we are hurting.
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“Look, as our greatest good comes through the sufferings of Christ, so God’s greatest glory that He hath from His saints comes through their sufferings.” Thomas Brooks