Daily Bread - Nov 9 2006

1 Peter 4:2 - "Beloved, do not be surprised by the fiery trial which tries you as though a strange event happened to you."

Fiery trials are inevitable, and no one should be concerned that something is happening out of the ordinary. We know that God allows the tests that we face, but He does not allow us to be tested above what we are able to bear (1 Cor. 10:13 ). We know that God makes a way for us to escape every trial that we have to go through.

It would be wrong to submit to a trial - just as it would be wrong to submit to a temptation to sin. God expects that we should rise up in faith and bring an end to every opposition that we face; for it is the shield of faith that quenches every fiery trial of the wicked one (Ephesians 6:16).

The way that we escape these fiery trials is to submit to God and resist the devil. Peter also said that we are to resist the devil, "firmly in the faith knowing that the same sufferings are accomplished by your brethren who are in the world" (1 Peter 5:9).

The Psalmist said, "many are the afflictions of the righteous but the Lord delivers him out of them all" (Psalms 34:19). James said, "Blessed is the man who endures temptation for after that he is tried he shall receive a crown of life which fades not away" (James 1:12). Jesus said, "in this world you shall have tribulation but be of good cheer for I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). Because Jesus overcame we are also able to overcome through His divine power.

Be blessed,

Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org