IT’S NOT UNUSUAL

“Beloved, think it not strange  concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as  though some strange thing happened unto you: “– 1 Pet. 4:12
Peter tells us that we shouldn’t be surprised by our trials–but we usually are. Indeed we are often shocked that they would or should come upon us. We would not be surprised had they come upon others, but for some reason we think we should escape what they have to endure. But it doesn’t work that way. Trials come universally, un-expectantly, un-invited, and, to our mind of many, un-deserved. At a moment when least expected they kick down the door and interrupt our life. And we’re left wondering “Why?” “Why me?”, “Why this?”, “Why now?”.
It might be that we’ve read all the verses related to trials and are well versed on how God uses them for good, but at that moment nothing seems to make sense. Although troubles and trials are the norm for Christians we always think they are out of place–like God got the wrong address or doesn’t know what we really need. Well you can forget that! God knows exactly what we need and He sends it accordingly. And as unpleasant as it might be, we should not complain that His will is done.
Notice the next verse–“But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of  Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be  revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding  joy. “.F. B. Meyer said, “Nothing is harder to bear than the apparent aimlessness of suffering”. That’s why Romans 8:28 is such a great encouragement. It assures us that God uses the bad for good. What we despise now might produce some of the greatest blessings in life at a later date. Sadly we are usually too blind to see that possibility. That’s why we must stand on God’s promises. They never fail.– HDS