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.....
19 Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust
their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good. (1 Peter 4:12-13, 19)
I have meditated on this passage since I read it a few weeks ago. Not because I am going through a "fiery trial" like many Christians are around the world. Compared to many, I have it easy. My problems are "1st world problems", my anxiety is often self inflicted. I make commitments out of guilt and I break them out of guilt.
I have thought about the notion many of us have, that becoming a Christian is a guarantee of an easy life, God's constant protection over every aspect of our lives. And when trouble comes in the form of a job layoff, illness, death or even a slow down in our adoption journey, we take it as a sign that we have not prayed hard enough, tithed enough or some other way neglected to fulfill our Christian duties. How many times have we heard of Christians going through overwhelming circumstances and quietly thought "I'm glad God didn't call me to do that". In America, our life is all about being comfortable and having it easy. We want our children to have a comfortable life and we take care of our own needs before helping others. I know I am guilty of this...
This passage clearly tells us to expect trials, expect hardships as God allows these to enter our lives. Our limited understanding of Him would rather bypass suffering, but God is in control even in the midst of tragedy.
God tells us to rejoice in our sufferings so we may also rejoice when His glory is revealed. Instead of responding with anxiety, worry, anger, sadness when I am faced with suffering, I should rejoice? Wow, it seems so contradictory.
So today, in the midst of my anxiety, I will rejoice.
Hi Jenni, this is COMPLETELY random -
ReplyDeleteI saw your comment on Rage Against the Minivan's blog and see you're adopting two children in Ghana and that you're a huge Fanta Orange fan - have you tried Fanta Pineapple or Tropical Fruit there in Ghana (bottled there, in glass bottles)? It's AMAZING. (Maybe I only think that because I would drink it at the end of long, hot, dusty days at a refugee camp in Ghana ... but no, I think it's amazing under any circumstances!)
Again, yes, I know, totally random. But try it! :)
NOLA,I love random posts!!! Yes, I have tried Fanta pineapple, and I think it was tropical fruit (they called it mixed fruit) from glass bottles. It really is the best way to drink Fanta. And, I like strawberry, grape and lemon Fanta as well. In Ghana, I had my husband take a picture every time I discovered a new Fanta flavor:)
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