Pastor’s Notes
This week Peter tells us, “Don’t think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you.” In others, don’t just embrace the struggle, but plan for it. That’s how we should live life knowing that we will be tested at some point.
Now the next statement out of the pen of Peter is really where I want you to pray over this week. Peter encourages us to plan for and embrace suffering not only because suffering makes us more like Christ, but because how we respond to suffering impacts our spirit when the suffering concludes. “That when His glory is revealed, you many also be glad with exceeding joy.” Peter is telling us that the peace and joy that we experience after the trials conclude, have a direct correlation to how we embraced the struggle when it was present.
Peter tells us, ‘To pass the test, we must expect the test.” Do not be surprised, do not think what you are experiencing is strange, and please don’t be ashamed of your faith during your struggle. We must go through the waters of hardships if we are to arrive at our rightful inheritance; wandering and struggle are the earthly lot of any who desire to enter into a eternal place of peace and joy.
Scripture calls us to be equipped to better face trials. To live a life awaiting tests and to fight the good fight during the the hardship so that we can rest in gladness when they end. We should do all of this with our sights set on the cross and our confidence beaming from what we know in the resurrection. Peter claims that these seasons of hardships are unique times when God’s smile and approval are on us. The exalted truth in our time of testing is that God’s glory is our focus and fuel! He is covering us. He is guarding and guiding us. Be encouraged and fight the good fight!!
Scripture to go along with the message
Read Matthew 5:11-12 as Jesus speaks on the same point that Peter is making in this week’s text.
Highlight in your Bibles
Highlight verses 12-13 in this weeks text.
Questions to consider
1.) What has been “your struggle” during the time of hardship?
2.) When looking at your specific struggle, how do you believe you are being tested?
3.) Lastly, how do you believe your are responding to this test?
