Do Not Be Surprised

You are being guarded by God’s power through faith for a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. You rejoice in this, even though now for a short time, if necessary, you suffer grief in various trials so that the proven character of your faith – more valuable than gold which, though perishable, is refined by fire – may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 1:5-7

There are some things we might expect to impact us and our journey with Christ in this sinful and broken world. Others that are common and often throw us off track…not so much. As we study this passage from 1 Peter, we read how we are being guarded by God’s power through faith for a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In light of this wonderful truth, God asks us to stay resolved, to stand firm, and to even rejoice when we suffer. How so?

Trials strengthen our faith

Our suffering strengthens our faith. Our trials fortify us for what is to come. Our sorrows help to prove the character of our faith. And this faith, God tells us, is more valuable than gold. Amazing.

Still, there can be pitfalls along the way that can derail us. But God is greater than what happens to us. His Word tells us…warns us…to not be surprised when specific trials come our way. When we study the bible we can be prepared and ready for the Enemy’s attack.

We fight an unseen enemy of our faith

Here are some principles and ploys from the evil one that are meant to take us unawares and to weaken our faith.

1. When we decide to live for God, we will be mistreated by those who oppose God. It’s not an “if” but a when this will occur so we must be ready to respond with God’s grace and love toward those who will decidedly hate us (because of the message God brings).
2. When our enemies decide to band together against you, it often comes as a surprise that this surprise attack comes from other so-called believers. This, of course, is the most painful kind of attack when it stems from those close to us.
3. When Satan uses what is inside our hearts to come against us. In other words, it feels like an inside job because it is for these three things God tells us tempt us to sin. The world, the flesh, and the Devil.
4. Finally, do not be surprised when God uses all these hard things that come against us…for our ultimate good and His glory. Our faith is tested and is strengthened and the bottom line truth is this: without opposition the strength of the Gospel is NOT seen.

Our hope is in God’s power to deliver

So today let’s not be taken by surprise by the fiery darts of the evil one. Rather, let’s resolve to put our absolute trust and hope in God’s power to guard us and our faith because He has promised He will do so.