Like, so powerful.

Here’s what he said:

“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:

“But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.” (1 Peter 4:12-13)

Peter is very lovingly telling us to stop being so surprised when we have to deal with a big trial.

Stop thinking it is so strange that we have to endure tough stuff.

Stop being shocked that hard times keep coming our way.

What a cool perspective— because how often am I analyzing what “went wrong” to cause a trial in my life?

I have found so much peace when I’ve thought:

“This is exactly how it was supposed to go all along.”

It’s not strange— it is the plan.

And then Peter gives the sacred reminder of WHY we shouldn’t think it is strange when we have these trials:

When we suffer, we are experiencing just a small part of what Christ experienced.

It is Christlike to endure suffering.

But we don’t have to stay in the hard part, just like Jesus didn’t stay there either.

Christ was blessed with great glory for what He suffered.

Which means that we, too, will have a small part of that glory for the trials that we suffer.

This will result in exceeding joy!

Having a trial-free life isn’t the kind of life that disciples of Christ should seek.

We should expect tough times to find us.

To try us and refine us.

We don’t have to love the tough stuff.

But we will always be able to access His joy!

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

The post Your trials aren’t strange first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.