“Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy” (1 Peter 4:12-13).
Common responses to trials:
Well this is weird!!
Why is THIS happening!!???!??
Why ME ???!!?
In the midst of a trial, God’s voice comes walking across the waters of strife and whispers in our ear: “It’s not strange. Those things are normal down here. But there is a better world coming” (1 Peter 4:12).
There are three blessings in 1 Peter 4:12—13.
“Beloved”
You are loved. And that love of God will do whatever is best for you. “But I might die or be killed!” If you are in Christ, God’s love will resurrect you (Revelation 20:6). “I might experience pain, trial and heartache!” Not might, you will (John 16:33).. God’s love will speak peace to your heart in the midst of that trial (Luke 12:32). If you seek Him instead of resorting to panic, you will experience His peace (John 14:27). God’s love will not allow you to go through more than you can bear (1 Corinthians 10:13). God’s love will walk with you through the trial (Hebrews 13:5).
Worthy
In Christ you are counted worthy. You are placed on the cosmic scale of justice, and found worthy, because He is worthy (Revelation 5:2). You may share in His sufferings because you are worthy to do so. And if we share in His sufferings we shall also share in His glory (Romans 8:17). The statement “you are worthy to share in His glory” is an awful statement without the long-range vision of the world to come. Coupled to the promise of the coming Kingdom “wherein dwelleth righteousness”, we are citizens of a better country and a better Kingdom (2 Peter 3:13; 2 Timothy 2:12; Revelation 20:6). He has made us worthy through faith in Jesus Christ. That gives us hope, an eternal hope.
Glory
The world to come has been seen by the heavenly host. It is so amazing that you won’t be able to get over it for all eternity (1 Peter 5:1; 1 Corinthians 2:9. The reason why suffering in this world is worth it (worthy) is because of the unfathomable greatness of the world to come. That is why it is worth it all—heaven was cheap enough!
So there are three blessings in this verse. We are loved—by God. We are worthy to experience some of the things that He did, and be His children—if we choose Him (John 1:12). We are destined for a glory land that will far surpass anything we have seen on earth.
Hang in there.
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