Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 

We understand suffering came with the fall of man recorded in Genesis when Adam and Eve sinned.  It is also promised, so don’t be surprised. It is proper to ask the why questions. It is a way of also crying out to God that we don’t understand the situations we face.   

There will be trials and temptations that affect us in this life. It is a promise. If you are a true follower of Jesus Christ, count on two things. Satan and his evil forces will seek to give you trouble. Persecution, discouragement, and problems come because you are a Christ follower.

Secondly, you will have times in your life when you will be tempted to want to quit the faith and question if God really cares and knows what you are going through. It doesn't seem fair! It is during those times that divine faith takes over; we walk by faith not by sight.  Suffering can be one of the tools that brings us into a closer walk with God.    

There is a brand of Christian teaching that gives some prayer formula where Jesus is a means to get our personal desires. They teach suffering is not God’s design for a Christian. When issues of persistence, trust, commitment, obedience, and faithfulness to the Lord are raised, they believe we are not in God’s will. Yet here Peter says do not be surprised. Satan uses all kinds of tactics to discourage our faith walk. Pray. Petition. Cry out to God, but also be aware that He holds you in His hands when the days are dark. Know things will get better in this life or the next.             

How can God get us to do what He wants is a much more important question for us all. God is not making deals with us. It never says in the Bible that, if we are good and do what He wants, we will get what we want in this world.  It does say, "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you as well."  Matthew 6:33.

What things?  The things that we need to accomplish His righteousness and advance His kingdom.  He will supply your needs in the riches of Christ Jesus.

Our lives should be different than those around us in that we seek to honor the Lord in the things we say and do.   That should affect us in everything. Many people do not like that. Christians who are committed to the Lord will be rejected. Plan on it sooner or later. People don't like guilty feelings and if we say some things are wrong and right, expect some form of persecution.           

Don’t be surprised when trouble comes but be mindful. Jesus knows and brings the victory as we walk with Him through it.

Application:  Where is your eye focused? Is it on Christ or things that you think He should provide for you?

Prayer:   As I look to You, Oh Lord, I remember the words of the beautiful hymn that guides me to: “Turn Your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face and the things of this world will grow strangely dim in the light of His Glory and Grace.”