12 Dear ones, don’t be surprised when you experience your trial by
fire. It is not something strange and unusual, 13 but it is something you
should rejoice in. In it you share the Anointed’s sufferings, and you will be
that much more joyful when His glory is revealed. 14 If anyone condemns you for
following Jesus as the Anointed One, consider yourself blessed. The glorious
Spirit of God rests on you. (1 Peter 4:12-14 The Voice)
We will all experience our trial by fire at some point in life.
Many trials are devastating and take us to our knees. Other trials may impact someone we love, and we are witnesses to the pain.
These times too, we fall to our knees, and call upon God to fix things for
them.
Lent is a time we remember the trail Jesus faced and we learn
from the example He displayed during His arrest, imprisonment, flogging and
ultimately His death. He never lashed out at His captors. He didn’t curse those
who cursed Him. He even loved them through it all. Remember the thief.
We don’t have the control Jesus had – because He had so much love.
Think about how we react to a traffic jam – can you say road rage? We have
little self-control . when faced with an infringement of our rights. Love or
even tolerance is not a reaction we have when we are cut off in traffic. How
could Jesus have the fortitude to let it all unfold like He did?
Let us embrace this holy season of Lent and practice being better people. To
pray more and to read the Bible stories of Jesus’ suffering, death, and
resurrection, the final act to bring about our salvation. As we travel this
road these 40 days, let’s remember the reason for this season. Let us take on
the expression of the One who loves us so much. Let us try to be loving and
kind during these days; mindful of our ultimate reward.
Jesus, teach us how to act like You did
when faced with trials and pain. Forgive us when we fall short. Amen.
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