“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed.”
I recently suffered from a very painful skin infection. My doctor asked a series of questions in an attempt to figure out how I was exposed. I said, “I didn’t do anything!” A friend is experiencing a divorce. She said she’s tried everything to win him back, but he doesn’t want to be married to her anymore. She said, “Van! I didn’t do anything!” One of my partners has perfect attendance at his job. Works hard, works overtime, never complains. His supervisor came to him this week and said we have to let you go. He said, “But, I didn’t do anything Van!”
Sometimes, it’s not anything you’ve done. Sometimes God wants to take you through something to bring you closer to Him and what He has for you. When you face fiery ordeals, hard times, or difficult situations in life, try not to focus on them, but focus on what God is doing. On the other side of your sickness are healing and a testimony. On the other side of your broken relationship is a new you filled with endless possibilities. On the other side of that layoff is a set up for God to introduce something bigger and better. Find strength knowing Jesus too was tested and passed with flying colors and so can you. Focus on what God is doing and not your situation.
Look at God
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“Heavenly Father, I won’t be surprised at the fiery ordeal that comes to test me, but rejoice knowing I participate in the sufferings of Christ and will be overjoyed when His glory is revealed in my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen. ”