PowerPoint - June 8, 2007

June 8, 2007

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. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.

--1 Peter 4:12-13

Why does God allow Christians to experience adversity and endure suffering in life? This is a question we’ve all asked at different times in our lives.

And while I can’t definitively explain why you may be going through a particularly difficult season in life right now, I do know that the Scripture gives us several reasons why God allows us to have adversity in life.

One reason we suffer and have adversity is simply because we’re Christians.

Jesus Himself said, “Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man! Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven….”

Now, I know that it’s not a natural reaction to “leap for joy” when you’re mistreated because of your faith in Christ! But I want to encourage you to know that God sees and hears what others say and do to you because of your faith. And He will reward you because of it!

So stand strong today…and remember the promise in James 1:12, which says, “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.”

god will reward you for any adversity you endure on his account!