“Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.” (1 Peter 4:12-13)
I’ve often read this verse and thought that a fiery trial had to be one of severe persecution. For example, going to jail for my faith or being martyred. However, fiery trials can be much more subtle than we realize.
You see, the enemy's goal is to stop you from doing what God has called you to. In John 10:10 (NLT), it says, “The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy,” yet God's purpose for you is “to give them [us] a rich and satisfying life.”
First we need to understand what a rich and satisfying life entails. I believe that it is one where you are carrying out God’s plan for you. Although we each have different lives, we all are called to love God and love others. We are also charged with carrying out the Great Commision and sharing the good news about Jesus.
Now, how does the enemy stop us? By getting us to be distracted, discouraged, or depressed. He would love for us to doubt God’s goodness and become apathetic about our faith. Another tactic is to bring up the past hurts to get us living under shame and condemnation instead of the freedom God offers. He also uses sickness and physical fatigue to bring us to a low state. All of these are ways the enemy tries to stop us from fulfilling the plans the Lord has for us.
Recognizing these attacks as fiery trials is the first step in taking action against them. Thank the Lord for showing you the attack. Praise Him for His goodness and worship Him! Worship can be songs, but it can also be thanking Him for what He has done in your life. It can be sitting in awe of His creation.
Then, go and do what He has called you to! Love Him and love others, today and every day!