Firey Trials

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. ~ 1Pet.4:12 (ESV)

Looking around the country (and the world) right now, it’s easy to assume that many people are going through some pretty difficult times. And as we discussed on Sunday, if you’re not going through it right now, don’t worry… It’s coming. All facetiousness aside, it’s true. We are probably either experiencing some pretty difficult circumstances in life right now, or we can be sure that in the future, we will.

Not the best news, I know. Not the most encouraging message. But it’s one our Lord repeated Himself as did His followers and authors of various books in the Bible. Why? Because it’s real. It’s honest. And it’s probably not a shocker to anyone reading this now. IT happens (pun intended).

And yet I have to ask… So what? Did I decide to follow Christ in hopes of this miraculous bubble of protection around my life? Did I think that by giving Jesus my life that everything would go smoothly? These are tough questions to ask sometimes, because in the thick of a trial we can start to ask, “Why God? Why would you let this happen to me?” He does have an answer for that, but it may not be the one you’re looking for. But in all of the difficult circumstances, we have an amazing opportunity to reaffirm in our hearts our devotion to Jesus no matter what.

See, I think there’s been a bit of bait and switch in Christianity. Somehow the word got out that if I give my life to Jesus my life would get better, my relationships would get better, I would get promoted at work, I’d make more money and so on. Where this came from, I’m not sure, but that’s not necessarily the case.

Instead, Jesus promised “in this world you will have tribulation” (Jn.16:33 ESV). Paul wrote Timothy a letter and said, “all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2Tim.3:12). It’s what happens when you want to do the right thing in a world filled with so many people doing their own thing. Yet, even in these difficult times, we know God will use them for our advantage, molding our hearts, forming us–from the inside out–into the image of His Son Jesus Christ. It just so happens that one of the best ways for that to take place is for us to go through something difficult and come out of it stronger.

I think we need to be careful as we approach our relationship with Jesus and make sure He’s still “the end” not the means to the end. What I mean is, I think a lot of people (maybe without even realizing it) come to Jesus in order to get something else (i.e. a better job, marriage, etc.). But I came to Jesus because He overwhelmed me with His love and, I in turn, loved Him. And no matter what life throws at me, I still love Him because none of these circumstances change Who Jesus is to me. It doesn’t make it easy, but if it was it wouldn’t be called a trial. I’d encourage you. Spend some time remembering why you gave your life to Jesus. Is there still that “no matter what” spark of romance and devotion? Or has He become your means to get what you “really” want. I pray we all really desire, with all of our hearts, to be with Jesus. Peace!