No Surprises - Happy

 

1 Peter 4:12-19 ESV

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And “If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.

Happy

Song by Pharrell Williams

Here come bad news talking this and that (yeah)

Well, give me all you got, and don't hold it back (yeah)

Well, I should probably warn you, you'll be just fine (yeah)

No offense to you, don't waste your time

(Here's why)...

Because I'm happy

Clap along if you feel like happiness is the truth

Because I'm happy

Big Idea:

This week as I was reading, I came to Job 23:10-11  - But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold. My feet have closely followed his steps; I have kept to his way without turning aside.

- and I started to see how these verses could help me better understand 1 Peter 4:12-19.  

It occurred to me that in this broken world there will be times of tests, trials, and suffering and we should not be surprised by that - that’s life. But, the good news is we can know and trust that (Emmanuel) God is with us.  It means we can imperfectly follow in the steps of our Savior (sanctification) and we can “entrust our souls to a faithful Creator while doing good” (V19), while bringing joy and love and kindness to the world around us.  

We can rejoice knowing, being sure of the glory that was, the glory that is and the glory to come and whatever we encounter in this world, we can live in the now, with the certain hope of the not yet.  As believers, come what may, we can persevere because “God rests upon you” (V14)…All for the glory of God!

Grace and Peace!