His Glory My Joy, a blog of Author Luana Ehrlich

One day—although it’s probably happened to you already—you’ll experience disappointment, loss, suffering, hurt, betrayal, or a number of other painful situations you didn’t anticipate would come your way.

Even though you may have thought you were prepared for every possible hardship a human being can have, there’s a good possibility a situation will arise that will surprise you—something you weren’t prepared for, something you never imagined would happen.

Thankfully, God has graciously instructed His followers how to respond when difficulties come our way.

First, He tells us to expect difficulties:
“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.” 1 Peter 4:12.

Difficulties and hardships aren’t strange. They happen to every human being on the planet, including followers of Jesus Christ.

Second, learn from difficulties:
“. . . you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 1:6-7.

In His infinite wisdom, God allows us to suffer various hardships in order to test the “genuineness” of our faith. Although we may not understand His purpose for it until we walk through the portals of Heaven, we can be assured He designed it for our ultimate good.

Third, recognize our difficulties won’t last forever:
“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” 1 Peter 5:10.

We won’t be in this difficult situation forever. There is an end to it—whether in this life or in death.

Lastly, rejoice in difficulties:
“ In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials.” 1 Peter 1:6.

Rejoicing when we experience trials doesn’t mean we aren’t grieving or hurting. It means in our prayers and by our testimony, we are trusting God, giving Him glory, and relying on His goodness during our suffering.

^“Therefore, let those who suffer according to God’s will, entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.” 1 Peter 4:19.

Be prepared to suffer. In doing so, you will honor and glorify our Lord, “. . . who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross . . .” Hebrews 12:2.