“Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you.”
which is to
“To” means face to face. If we meet trials face to face, we will benefit from the courage of honest examination of what God is doing with our lives. When we face difficulties with a relaxed attitude, we can stand down anything that comes our way.
try you
All trials for the Christian seek to prove our character. God designs adversity for our benefit. God learns our nature by submitting us to extensive testing.
PRINCIPLE:
God designs trouble for us so that we will prove that the Christian life is real.
APPLICATION:
We dare not seek to detour God’s plan for our lives because then we would deflect God’s purpose for us.
1 Th 3:3, “That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto.”
“Appointed” means that God ordained our suffering. God makes an appointment for us to suffer.
1 Pe 2:21, “For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps.”
God “calls” us to suffer. This is our calling. “I didn’t count on that when I became a Christian. I thought I was going to be free from trouble.” No, but we do have the hand of God on us while we go through these things. God provides and protects and allows nothing to happen to us that he does not personally screen. We would not want it any other way.
God knows the straw that will break the camel’s back. He will never heap upon you more than you can carry (1 Co. 10:13). You will find that God is under the load as well, helping you to carry it. He will bear both your burden and you as well.
