Beloved don’t be astonished at the fiery trial which has come upon you to test you, as though a strange thing happened to you. But because you are partakers of Christ’s sufferings, rejoice, that, at the revelation of his glory, you also may rejoice with exceeding joy. 1 Peter 4:12-13 WEB

Enduring the fiery trials of the Christian life, we either demonstrate our faith and trust in the Lord or we fail to do so. When trials come, they test the strength of our faith and the quality of our relationship with God. These “fiery” ordeals help to purify us like refining gold in a furnace or strengthening steel in a forge. Our troubles draw us closer to God and lead us to rely on the Lord.

James, the brother of Jesus, agrees with Peter that we should rejoice in our trouble. He says in James 1:2-3, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, when you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. WEB” Our trials reinforce our faith and help us to develop endurance. With increased strength, we develop a greater capacity to serve the will of God.   

Endure the Fiery Trial

The apostle Paul teaches in Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. KJV” In other words, Jesus paid the price for our sin with his death on the cross. Our Savior went through unimaginable suffering on his way to the cross. He suffered further on that cross. He died a humiliating death as the substitute for our sin.

In Matthew 16:24-25 we read, “Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, and whoever will lose his life for my sake will find it. WEB” 

Taking up the cross, we participate in the suffering of our Savior. We die to our sinful selves and are born again in the Spirit of God. Resisting the temptations of the flesh, we endure the fiery trial. Blessing those who give us trouble and praying for those who mistreat us, we follow the example of Christ. Enduring these fiery trials, we submit to the will of God as he removes the impurities of the material world from our lives.

All Things Work Together for Good

When trials happen, do not be surprised. Trust in God and remember that he is in control. What the enemy means for evil, God will use for good. As we read in Romans 8:28, “We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose. WEB”

Let us use the trials we face as opportunities to grow in our relationship with God. Even in our struggles, let us rejoice in our salvation in Jesus Christ. When all seems lost and a positive outcome appears impossible, let us remember, with God all things are possible. We may not see the purpose in the pain, but the Lord is faithful to pull us through our fiery trials. Let us be faithful to him.

Yesterday’s Devotional: The Lord’s Purpose Prevails