IF GOD LOVES ME THEN WHY ARE THESE THINGS HAPPENING?

“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though something strange were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that at the revelation of His glory you may also rejoice and be overjoyed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory, and of God, rests upon you.” -{1 Peter 4:12-14}

Peter in their times of struggle, suffering, and slander reminds them they are “Beloved” this is what they are in the heart of God… His “Beloved,” which means “Divinely loved ones.” The word is a word of tenderness, compassion, affection, care. They are divinely loved by God, and suffering cannot alter that. Paul wrote elsewhere that nothing- can separate us from the love of God that He has and holds towards us for all those who are “in Christ.” -{Read Romans 8:31-39}. “Beloved” is a term of endearment… these suffering ones were God’s Beloved and the apostle Peter’s beloved people. The love and affection towards them were what they needed to know. God had not forsaken them indeed he told them “Don’t be surprised.” but to be alert and expect suffering as a result of being followers of Christ and then he tells them to rejoice! Why rejoice? He says in verse 13- the motivation is that you will share in His glory when He returns! You are His “Beloved!” So don’t go by feelings go by His Heart as revealed in His Word!

The question arises if God so loves me, us, then why are we going through this, why is He allowing this?

Let me show you some reasons To place Hevanly perspective on your earthly troubles…They are…

  1. For your TESTING -1:6-7; “In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. “. Note the purpose of the trial is not so that the LORD would know but that the person would know that their faith is genuine, authentic, saving faith- they are the real deal. The troubles reveal to them tht their faith is the real deal. How? Verses 8-9 “Though you have not seen him, you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy,” “PROOF, GENUINENESS OF Faith…”- “ at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as…”- 4:12 “…come on you for “you”. The trial reveals to YOU that you have genuine faith!
  2. For your TESTIMONY– Testimony to them by being a Godly citizen and shutting their mouths…glorify your life when He visits them for their SALVATION – 2:12 {THE WAY you LIVE..” 3:15 give an account to those who ask.”-{The Way you SHARE.. with gentleness…} Life and Lips!! The TESTIMONY of the way they LIVED…and the TESTIMONY That ATTRACTED -1 Pet 3:15
  3. For your TRANSFORMATION–Spiritual Growth – 1 Peter 5:10 -“After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.”

“…you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory, and of God, rests upon you.” –{1 Peter 4:12-14.} What does this mean? Namely that the Glorious Spirit who is with you and rests upon you will refresh you in the midst of suffering with power and will reveal enough of glory and enough of God to satisfy your soul and carry you through these sufferings, and trials. You will find you are not alone but He will help, empower you!

“Lord Thank You for the Testing I am in. Thank You for the Testimony it affords me. Thank You for the Transformation it is bringing about in me, Thank You, Lord!”

Commit these three Verses to memory, or write in your Bible so you can be reminded of them and also so you can give an account of the hope within you to others.

Also so you can help..others see some of the “Good” that can come out of difficulties.

God bless

Aidan.