12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.
Firms spend trillions of dollars employing ad agencies and marketing firms to entice you to purchase their goods or services. Much of this activity is geared to cause us to think about ourselves; to feed our wants. Truly, the most effective marketers make our wants appear as our needs.
Bombarded minute by minute with images and ads with the intent to sharpen our appetite for product, we forget His purpose. To robe Himself in flesh and become the ultimate sacrifice was to purchase our salvation. We become dulled to our purpose; which is to worship the creator.
The fiery trials referenced in this chapter are not for our comfort. Rather they are for the perfecting of our spirit. (Heb. 12:2-15) They sharpen our focus on what really matters. They try or purify our spirits and burn away the excess.
Let us rejoice when we find ourselves in the depths of great tribulation. They are often strategically placed to shore up our weakness. Embrace the process so that when the last trumpet sounds we can lead our family, friends and church to that heavenly place.
Keith G. Mathews
Tuesday
1 Peter 4
