Read: 1 Peter 4:12-19

Our light affliction…is working
for us a far more exceeding and
eternal weight of glory.
– 2 Corinthians 4:17

A young man looked forward to joining the US Marine
Corps after high school. But after just 3 weeks in boot
camp, he wanted out. After he got an administrative
discharge, he said, “I didn’t know it would be that
hard.”

Like that recruit, many Christians are surprised by
life’s trials. But just as this young man should have
known what he was getting into, we too have been warned
that the life of a follower of Christ is not all fun and
games.

In 1 Peter 4:12 we read, “Beloved, do not think it
strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you,
as though some strange thing happened to you.” The
clear message: “Don’t be surprised by trials.”

That doesn’t sound like good news, but it’s not the
whole story. Consider the reassuring words of Romans
8:18, where Paul declared that our present sufferings
cannot compare with the glory that will be ours in
heaven. Our trials will be over, and everlasting joy
will follow.

Trials are an inescapable part of this life. But
God’s Word assures us that they will turn to joy in the
morning of His heavenly presence.

Facing tough times? Lean on God, and be encouraged by
the glory that will someday replace those trials.
-J. David Branon

God’s love for His Son was never a shield
To keep Him from Calvary’s cross;
God’s love for His children demands that we yield
To trials that burn out the dross. -Gustafson

MAN’S HIGHEST GOOD
MAY COME FROM HIS DEEPEST SUFFERING.

OUR DAILY BREAD, Copyright 1999 by Radio Bible Class,
Grand Rapids,Michigan. Used by permission.