Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you. But rejoice, inasmuch as you are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, you may be glad also with exceeding joy.
– 1 Peter 4:12-13
Thoughts on Today’s Verse…
These verses show us Peter’s attitude toward trials and are Peter’s exhortations for us. Peter spent his life seeking to love and satisfy God, and always hoped to have a purer love of God. Whether we have true faith and love for God is only revealed when we undergo trials, and only trials can purify our faith and love for God. So, Peter accepted God’s trials with joy. However, when we face trials, we often feel worried and even misunderstand God for not protecting us. This is because we don’t understand the significance of God’s trials. We should emulate Peter, willingly accepting God’s trials rather than misunderstanding Him in trials. Thus, we can have a purer love of God like Peter. Only after understanding God’s will can we calmly face trials and obey God’s sovereignty and arrangements.
Just as God says, “In the midst of trials, even when you don’t know what God wants to do and what work He wants to accomplish, you should know that God’s intentions for mankind are always good. If you pursue Him with a true heart, He will never leave you, and in the end He will surely perfect you, and bring people to an appropriate destination.”
