“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.” 1 Peter 4:12, ESV. As a child of God, this verse doesn’t scare me (Trials, Tests and Temptation, oh my!). Rather, it comforts me. Why? Because I go through trials every single day and it’s reassuring to hear that it’s NORMAL. Sometimes as children of God, we have the illusion of a perfect life while carrying the cross of Christ. The illusion is false and only leads to disappointment, which the enemy can use for his plan to derail your heart. The keyword I take from Peter is: WHEN. It’s not a surprise that we are against the attacks of the enemy, whose army is continuously firing at the army of God. When I’m up against the wall and everything around me seems to be pressing against me, it’s normal. Peter calls trials NORMAL. Yet, how often do we ask, “Why, God, is this happening to me?” With our befuddled faces and hearts broken, we look to the sky. But when we flip our thinking and anticipate the fiery darts of the enemy, we are more capable of understanding that testing isn’t strange at all; it’s meant to refine us, teach us, allow us to prove our faith in God is genuine and that we can surrender to His ways. Throughout Scripture, men and women of faith are tested and tried, even with the first chronological book of the Bible: Job. So, beloved, put on that trustworthy Armor of God and engage in the battle of our souls. Be confident that the Lord will be victorious – as children of God, we are on the winning side. 1 Peter 4:12; Ephesians 6:10-20. Exodus 20:20. 1 Peter 1:6-7. Isaiah 48:10.

©️Rachel D. Lyne 2019