“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).
Do not be surprised. If you are going to earnestly walk the path of salvation, you will be attacked. The wicked one means it for your destruction. The Lord will use it to grow in you that which He knows needs to be there. The most important thing is to not be surprised when it happens. This is also spoken of time and time again in Scripture. You may not like it, but be encouraged, the Lord is with you.
Lord, You know the beginning from the end. You know what is coming and You have prepared us. Help me to enter the fiery ordeals of life as one prepared so that I may walk humbly in Your promise. Help me to not waver, but walk boldly all the days of my life in the truth You have revealed through salvation. Lord, good and bad times come, but You are forever. Help me keep this in my mind always.
Dear Lord Jesus, Your ministry on earth was one continuous fiery ordeal. I cannot look at You and say that You do not understand. You do. Help me dear Lord to live into the life You have given me, no matter what may come along the way. You have said that if I endure, it will build character and the character will give me hope. Lead me through every ordeal that my faith would be more sure. Amen.
