The fiery trial of suffering

Peter tells us not to be surprised at the fiery trial, as though something strange were happening. Life with God does not place us outside His dealing; often it places us within it.

Fire reveals what we do not see in comfortable days. The natural soul is surprised when it loses control, approval, or security. But the Lord uses fire to separate appearance from reality and to lead us into participation in the sufferings of Christ.

Rejoicing in trial is not enjoying pain. It is recognizing that God can gain something in us while the soul loses its false guarantees. Fire does not have the final word; the glory of Christ does.