I Peter 4:12-16
12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. 14 If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.[a] On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.[b]
One of the recent messages by the Assistant Pastor at church was about being with Jesus. He talked about how we are known by the company we keep, in this case Jesus and how we are involved in things based on our associations. One particular part of his message struck a chord with me-the idea that we shouldn't be surprised when we go through things. Yes they will affect us simply because they occur but they shouldn't shake our foundation.
It got me to thinking about some of the situations I've come up against recently. Situations that seemed very critical to me while I was in them but I've come to realize that they were learning situations brought about because of my association with Jesus. I allowed those situations to take control of me instead of me taking control of the situation.
This message has opened my eyes to how I should handle what I go through. I've always known that some situations that come about are because Jesus wants to test how close we are to Him but now I'll try not to be shaken to the core when things come up against me. I may not always succeed but striving for the mark is always better than not trying at all.
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