"The Fiery Trial" by Simon Measures |
"The Fiery Trial" by Simon Measures |
Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to
try
you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent
that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed,
you may also be glad with exceeding joy.
1 Peter 4:12 - 13 - NKJV
A prayer request posting on my web site "The Virtual Church" brought that
scripture passage above back into my remembrance. The writer was facing
major challenges. I responded, "Don't be surprised!"
I remember when I was just a babe in Christ. I was walking home and going
through a terrible battle over how people - Christians - I was living with
were behaving towards me. It made me feel like quitting but I'd had such
an
experience of Christ that instead I was praying calling out for help. I
had
a little Bible with me. The moment I opened it I came to that scripture
passage above! Immediately I knew it was the help I needed. I started to
rejoice spontaneously. I was doing the very thing the scripture exhorted
-
rejoicing! That fiery trial evaporated!
The devil hates to see you stepping out into new ventures of faith. He's
scared he's going to lose people because of it so he comes out against you
in ways he hopes will discourage you and get you to quit. Realise where
your
fiery trial is coming from. Rejoice in your relationship to Jesus! You're
not on an unmarked trail Jesus in the Gethsemane went through this before
you. He suffered being tempted and won. Luk.22:41-44, Heb.2:18.
Don't be surprised but rejoice!
copyright 2002 Simon Measures
