"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE FACING A CRISIS"
1 Peter 4:12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you;
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
Some explanatory thoughts/application, and a prayer:
1. We never know when a crisis or a fiery trial will hit us. But we do know what God tells us in
1st Peter 4:12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you;
He tells us first of all, that we are "Beloved" That is, we are His beloved, He loves you. Secondly, He tells us how to react, and this is really needed, because we tend to react in a way that is not going to help us. Here's what God says, 1Pet 4:12b do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; Or, don't be surprised, as if some surprising thing has happened to you. Jesus told us, John 16:33 "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” So, Jesus said, these things would come, and Peter says don't be surprised when they do.
2. Now, on to what God says through Paul in Romans. This is such an encouragement to us, especially when these fiery trials come, or when we absolutely have no idea of what is happening, or why it's happening, or when it's going to be over, ( if it ever will )
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. So, let's break this down a little bit.
(1) There is something we know.
(2) What we know is that all things work together for good.
(3) We know that this is true for those those who love God.
(4) We know that this promise is true for those who are called according to His purpose.
3. So, when You reflect just a little bit on both of these wonderful verses, we are encouraged to understand two basic truths.
(1) Don't be surprised as if this difficulty is "some strange thing" that is happening to you.
(2) Know and rest in the fact, that God is in control, and He is working all this together for good.
4. As wonderful as these verses are, they must be "believed" And when we believe or trust in God, we do indeed find peace within ourselves, even though the fiery trial may continue on and even get more fiery.
5. I have learned in 41 years of knowing the Lord, that two things are very true about God.
(1) He cannot lie, so, everything He says is true.
(2) He indeed does work all things together for good in my life.
When you are going through or are in the middle of a fiery trial, you of course are in it, and and you are not at the end of it. So, you don't have any perspective, except that something has changed. All was calm and well, and now it's not. But, just be patient in tribulation, and wait on the Lord, believe Him, and You will soon be moving through the trial, and eventually, most likely, you will come out of it, and now you will be looking back at what You went through, and You will be praising God for what He has done in Your life.
So, hang in there, be patient, be trusting in the goodness of the Lord. He is faithful, and He has a plan and purpose for your life. He loves You very, very much, and He desires to work in you, so, He can then work through You.
A prayer:
Father, we have found You to be a truthful God. You are unable to tell us anything but the truth.
Thank You for being that way, and thank You for giving us so many explanations about life in Christ, and so many promises to believe and hang on to during the tough and troubling times we go through. So, Thank You. And, we today, want to pray for ourselves if we may happen to be going through a trying time, that Your Word would comfort, encourage, and instruct us. And, we also want to pray for others we know who may be going through the fire. Lord You know, and You are capable of ministering to their souls, and we pray that You would, in Jesus name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
