“¹²Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.” — 1 Peter 4:12 (ESV)

Being a Christian was never billed as being easy. In fact, as you study God’s Word, you will find that it was the same for all. All of those who follow Christ are put through the ringer of trials and persecution. As early as Adam and Eve who had it all, were tempted by the evil one. Moses was denied the promised land. Joseph was sold into slavery. Paul was imprisoned.

Even as they were put through the trials, they continued with the work of Christ. They did not let the trial be the end of them. They continued to fight for the work of Christ as they were well aware of the reward they would receive in heaven. I do believe to some degree there may have been some surprise as to the level of trial or test, yet I also believe that the surprise was short lived and they moved past it quickly and on to God’s work.

For me I have been tested and continue to be so. I am no longer surprised at the trials that come my way as a result of my work of Christ. I know that I will have difficulties and have begun to understand that they are there as refinement opportunities. I am being purified so that the work is truly for Christ and not for me or some other social acceptance.

I recently read of a brother in Christ who is struggling with a loved one they are caring for. Where I pray for guidance and comfort for them in the situation, I also remind them that the trial they are experiencing should not be a surprise. Service and the work of Christ is not and was not billed as a breeze and rewarding in the immediacy. It was and is billed as the right thing to do and done as an example of Christ’s Love. To them I say, don’t be surprised and embrace the service knowing your reward is in heaven and the trial is only refining and making you stronger.

God’s Love is full. It is there always. It is meant to be shared. It is for all. I have to remember these things and not be surprised when it feels as though God’s Love is missing in the trials that are presented. These trials are by design and I have to remember that they are to be expected and embraced as the way to grow stronger in my faith and use them as the example of what right looks like in the pressing forward in the work of Christ.

What trials are you presented with on the daily? Are you surprised by those trials and wonder why? What if you embraced them and accepted them as the norm and used them to be refined and strengthened in your faith?