Surprised by Trials
1 Peter 4:12
The Upward Look
© Copyright 2014, Max D. Hutto,
“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.” 1 Peter 4:12 NIV
Peter returns to one of the main themes of his letter, the persecution and unjust suffering of believers. He calls the believers his dear friends, his beloved, for they are precious to him. He cares for them and is concerned about what is happening to them. He cautions them to not be surprised, astonished, or caught off guard by the trials and fiery ordeals they will face. It is not strange that evil will harass and torment the good and righteous. The purpose of this suffering is to test and refine their faith.
Lord Jesus, there are gathering clouds and storms of hostility toward Your precious disciples. Help me to stand firm in the faith even as persecution becomes increasingly more difficult and harsh.
November 28, 2014
Email List: This Week's Article!
* Bible Copyright Credits
NASB © The Bible quotes marked NASB are from the New American Standard Bible,
© Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, CA. (used with permission)
CSB © The Bible quotes marked CSB are from the Christian Standard Bible,
© Copyright 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers (used with permission).
HCSB © The Bible quotes marked HCSB are from the Holman Christian Standard Bible,
© Copyright 2000 by Holman Bible Publishers (used with permission).
NIV © The Bible quotes marked NIV are from the New International Version,
© Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, by The International Bible Society. (used with permission)
ESV © The Bible quotes marked ESV are from the English Standard
Version,
© Copyright 2001, 2016, by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry
of Good News Publishers. (used with permission)
KJV The Bible quotes marked KJV are from the King James Version of the Bible and are in the Public Domain.