How to understand a "Fiery Trial"

The title of this post, is the subject of the verses below. 

1Pet 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;

1Pet 4:13 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.

Peter once again uses a favorite term to describe his readers. "Beloved"

It means, very dear to God, esteemed, worthy of love, and dear. It comes from the word agapetos, like agape love. 

At any rate, the point here is.........

First of all, Not to think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you as though some strange thing happened to you. 

What does this mean? Simply, not to be shocked or surprised, by these fiery trials (Burning Calamities that come upon you, to test your character) which are going to try you, or test you. They will come. They are coming Peter says. And, when they do come, don't be surprised. Like, what happened, where did this come from? everything was going so well, and now this has happened, what's going on Lord? Etc, etc, etc.

Secondly, he says, "rejoice to the extent that you partake in Christ's suffering that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy" Throughout this letter, Peter has acknowledged the twin facts, of Christ's sufferings, and of our's.

Jesus had stated beforehand, that we would have tribulation in the world. And, that if the world hated Him, they would also hate us. So, it's really par for the course. 

But, what Peter adds here, is once again a mention of the coming again of Christ.........that is, when His glory is revealed, when we see Him face to face, we will be glad with exceeding joy. 

What a hope we have in Christ. And, it's this hope that is to be the anchor to our lives down here, as we are tossed about on a ocean of trials and troubles. We are connected to God through Christ. He will not let us go, and no one can take us out of His hand, and nothing can separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus. 

How blessed we are.......

Application/Promise

1. These verses might be good to memorize.

2. The truths in them are so important.

3. The truth is trials and troubles are no surprise to God.

4. We are under God's care and guidance and planning. 

5. He is working all things together for our good.

6. What a wonderful savior we have.

7. And, what a glorious living hope we have. 

8. Let's keep our eyes on Jesus today.