"Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you; but rejoice inasmuch as you are partakers of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory shall be revealed, you may be glad also with exceeding joy."
- 1 Peter 4:12-13

SUFFERING and sorrow are part of life's experience. We Christians are not exempt and in some respects we suffer more than others, for the reason that, in addition to the ills common to all people, we must endure trials and afflictions which only Christians suffer. As the world hated Christ, so Christ's followers suffer the hatred of the ungodly world now. Of course it . . .

"Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you; but rejoice inasmuch as you are partakers of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory shall be revealed, you may be glad also with exceeding joy."
- 1 Peter 4:12-13

SUFFERING and sorrow are part of life's experience. We Christians are not exempt and in some respects we suffer more than others, for the reason that, in addition to the ills common to all people, we must endure trials and afflictions which only Christians suffer. As the world hated Christ, so Christ's followers suffer the hatred of the ungodly world now. Of course it hurts to be reviled and ridiculed for our Christian life and testimony. But the Apostle bids us rejoice when called upon to suffer for Christ's sake; for such suffering is a preparation for the greater glory in heaven. The darkness of the night of suffering fixes our attention on the happy morn which shall dawn in the realm of glory, where joyous melodies will be sung to the praise of our God forever.

We can trust our loving Savior

To protect from life's alarms;

He's prepared a place of refuge

Safe within His mighty arms.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY -Life's challenges are not designed to break us but to bend us toward God.