1 Peter 4:12-13 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:13 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.
“Why is this happening to me?” We have all spoken those words, or at least thought them, from time to time in our life. Situations arise that make us wonder why we are the ones that have to go through a particular trial. The Bible tells us not to think that we are the only ones experiencing trials in our lives. I will admit it seems that some folks get more than their share of heartache, while others don’t. It seems as though life can be unfair.
Peter, by inspiration of the Holy Spirit, writes that we shouldn’t look at our trials as if we are the only ones going through them. We may be experiencing a trial unique to us, but we are not the only people experiencing problems in our lives. If we are honest and look around us, we will see that many people have it much worse than ourselves. Today Christians are being martyred for their faith in Christ around the world. I always tell people, “When you think you are going through the worst of problems, go to the children’s hospital and sit in the intensive care waiting room for a few hours.” In other words we need a perspective check on our problems from time to time.
Peter goes on to tell us to rejoice in our sufferings, because we are partakers in Christ’s sufferings. Like I said yesterday, there is a unique fellowship with Christ in our trials. He is doing a special work in us, we are gaining a new knowledge of Him. There will be a day when we can rejoice in our trials.
Let’s not take our trials personally. We never suffer alone!