Friday, December 11, 2009
Responding to Trials
(I Peter 4:12-14)
Sometimes troubles hit like a “bolt out of the blue.” When we’re least expecting problems, it seems like the bottom suddenly drops out. How do we respond to life’s sudden calamities? Peter’s answers may surprise you.
First, Peter tells us not to be surprised (12). The fiery trials we face are not “strange”—foreign to the Christian life. Prosperity preachers teach gullible congregations that God’s primary goal is to insulate His children from troubles. Beloved, nothing could be further from the truth! In fact, Peter’s teaching paraphrased could read, “Christians, fasten your seat belts! You’re in for a rough ride” (12).
Secondly, the Apostle instructs us to “rejoice” because in suffering we are “partakers of Christ’s sufferings.” In other words, we become more like Christ because we suffer. Suffering, therefore, is never intended to be inherently bad for believers. It is an effective pathway of identification with Jesus Christ (13).
Thirdly, when we suffer reproach and criticism, we are to respond with genuine happiness. We all like it when folks think well of us. If, however, someone criticizes us for our stand for Christ, we should respond with happiness, not angst. And, in bearing criticism in a godly manner, we glorify Christ (14).
What to do when trials come? Simple: Don’t be surprised, rejoice in suffering, and be happy in the face of criticism. In other words, respond contrary to your old nature by the power of the new!
