1 Peter 4:12 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.”

As Christians we are citizens of heaven who are passing through a cursed world, which is filled with sinners who are in need of Christ’s forgiveness. But too many Christians wrongly think that a victorious Christian life is a happy, trouble-free existence, where every whim of our heart is magically fulfilled.

We are reminded in Scripture of the men and women of faith who experienced shocking ordeals. Many of who experienced terrible ordeals at the hands of wicked men and corrupt governments. These were not the exception, but the rule.

Over and again we are warned that all believers will face fiery trials, which will come to us in various forms. Nevertheless, we are promised Christ’s sufficient grace, because we are in union with Him and His strength is perfected in us as we depend upon Him.