The Truth about Trials
Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world. - (1 Peter 4:12–13)
It has been said that Christians are a lot like teabags; you don’t know what they’re made of until you put them into hot water. Maybe you’re in hot water right now. Maybe you’re going through what we might describe as a fiery trial. The good news is you are not the first person to go through it, nor will you be the last. You are not alone in your trial.
And here is something else to consider: going through a trial or a temptation is a confirmation that you are on the right track as a Christian. If you were to say, “You know, Greg, as a Christian I can’t remember the last time I was tempted,” my question would be, “What is wrong with you?” The devil sets his sights on those who are a threat to the kingdom of God.
You shouldn’t be surprised or shocked if you are tempted or tested. In 1 Peter 4:12–13 we’re told, “Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.”
Hardship, temptation, tragedy, and the loss of a loved one will come into our lives one day. Trials and temptations will come too. Take steps now to be prepared for that. Don’t say, “That will never happen to me.”
News flash: It will happen to you. Life is filled with pain. Granted, some have more than others, but every life will have some. We should gather this truth into our hearts so we are prepared when trials and temptations come our way.
Copyright © 2016 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved
For more relevant and biblical teaching from Pastor Greg Laurie, go to www.harvest.org
and
Listen to Greg Laurie's daily broadcast on OnePlace.com.
Watch Greg Laurie's weekly television broadcast on LightSource.com.
SPECIAL OFFER
Give biblical truths to the children in your life!
If you want to impart spiritual insight to the kids in your life, you must be intentional about communicating in a way that is understandable, engaging, and creative. Author Sally Lloyd-Jones and illustrator Jago combine beautiful images with scriptural insight in 101 simple-yet-profound devotional thoughts for kids.
Receive the Thoughts to Make Your Heart Sing book when you give a gift of support to Harvest Ministries this month.
