The Bible speaks to me when I'm hurting...isn't that wonderful? When I got pregnant, I discovered that somewhere I had acquired a Hallmark, soft-lighting image of what carrying a child would be like--which was smashed like a watermelon thrown from a truck at 65 miles per hour. Marriage, on the other hand, didn't startle me. I had seen, in my parents, that life has ups and downs. Sometimes the other person's foibles drives you nuts; sometimes you have serious issues to work out. It is often very, very hard. And yet often that relationship is tremendously rewarding, sometimes quite idyllic, always valuable. I think my own marriage has been easier because I saw a living example of a good one (thanks, Mom & Dad).
So it's nice that the Bible speaks to my real life, with its good moments and bad ones. And on a side note, it's good to read Scripture when you're not in crisis. Read about rough times that believers face, warnings that are given to us. Lay the foundation of healthy expectations. Hard times are hard. It only makes it worse if your expectations are sunshine and lemon drops.
Peter writes to the church, "Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you" (1 Peter 4:12). I'm guessing there was some surprise in the body, and he's addressing that by saying, "Don't be surprised!" Fiery ordeals are not fun, and our first reaction is usually WHY IS THIS HAPPENING TO ME, with the accompanying drama your personality is prone to. Peter says, hey, fiery things happen.
Peter says they happen to test you. Do you remember pop quizzes in school? You're skipping along, doing your homework (or not), knowing there isn't a test until the end of the unit, and then BAM, "Put away your books and take out a piece of paper." Have you been preparing? Have you been doing what you need to do? If not, you might fail this test. But the quiz is designed to remind you of the seriousness of being diligent and industrious. It is a tool in a teacher's tool bag. Trials are a tool for our Father, to shape us to look more like Jesus. If you haven't been paying attention, they might catch you off guard, but the purpose is to recall you to the work you are supposed to be doing of growing in your faith. Buckle down. The quiz itself can be useful.
"But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you" (v.13-14). A disapproving family member or neighbor does not feel like a blessing. A sharp criticism of your parenting or job choice does not feel like a blessing. Are you following the leading of the Spirit in your life? If someone insults you, then you are blessed. Following Jesus requires us to see the world upside down. A trial gives you the opportunity to believe what He says instead of what you feel.
Peter tells us that suffering as a Christian is better than suffering for doing the wrong thing (v.15-18). Feeling guilty sucks. When you are angry from pettiness, it is unpleasant, and you have to kick your way out of the emotion. When you are righteously angry, you can feel the emotion without guilt, without struggling against its current. There are times to be sad, to feel joy. Emotions that line up with Jesus are a blessing.
When we suffer for our wrong choices, there is a different process we go through to find our way out: repentance, forgiveness, learning new behavior. But when we suffer for righteousness, you put down roots and you stand. Psalm 1 contrasts the wicked person with the one who seeks after God. God-followers are "like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither--whatever they do prospers" (Psalm 1:3). There are times we, as God's children, suffer for our sins. But there is a deep goodness in suffering because you followed Jesus. It is a blessing hidden in that difficult situation, like a treasure you only find in a dark place.
Finally, Peter says, "So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good" (v.19). You didn't get here without God's knowledge. He saw this coming, and possibly planned it. He certainly planned FOR it; He is bigger than what you are facing. If you are facing something huge, then your perception of God's power and strength may grow, until you see Him as bigger than your obstacle. He is sufficient. He is faithful. He is good. This trial hit while you were doing the right thing; don't give up now, just because it's hard. Keep on, and know there is reward for you in this path. You are not alone.
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