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1 PETER 4:12-13
Some believers like to portray their life as ideal and carefree. But in reality, being a Christian isn't easy. In fact, sometimes we'll experience trials that truly test our faith and ability to trust in God.
In today's passage, Peter refers to times of testing as a fiery ordeal." He says we shouldn't be surprised when adversity comes.
It's important to remember that God has a purpose for our difficulties and will see us through them (Rom. 5:3-5). Here are some of the goals He may have for painful experiences:
At times the Lord uses hardship to cleanse us. Trials drive us to Him. And as we focus on God, we're increasingly able to see things from His perspective.
A difficulty in our life may be the Lord's way of testing us. He could be trying our faith, endurance, or devotion to Him.
God uses suffering to demonstrate His power to sustain us.
When He brings us through challenging times, He glorifies Him-self. In turn, this encourages others, because they have witnessed God's sustaining power in our life.
Ultimately, hardships strengthen our testimony. In the midst of our struggles, we might feel overwhelmed and discouraged.
But once the storm has passed, we can often look back and see the Lord's providential hand carrying us through.
Devotion from In Touch Ministries Sept. 24 edition