Day 159 Fiery Trials

 

6/8/2025

 ^{"Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial}

^{which is to try you...."}

^{1 Peter 4:12}

 

^{My recent topple from the tree in the back yard into the wheelbarrow and into the tree branches decided to haunt me today, awakening me to the undeniable reality that I am no longer a swinger of birches. For the first couple of days the injuries were quieter, but now they have become noisome and difficult to ignore. I guess the concept of getting back on the horse after a fall no longer applies to an aging adult. Over the years heating pads and ice packs have become my friends, making it a little inconvenient to take sermon notes while lying down, trying to balance and read the Bible. I am not a good convalescent!}

^{What makes it interesting is that the messages I listened to today included the subjects I spoke about yesterday in my blogs. I'm not sure how that happens, but it is exciting when it does. It confirms that I'm on the right path, at least to my way of thinking. Pastor Jack spoke with the early risers from Indiana where he is currently vacationing. Since he's usually in the dark, speaking from California at 5 am, this is a definite switch for him, seeing him in the light of day, out of doors among the trees. He's definitely in the rolling greens area, like here in Virginia in many places. I have driven coast to coast, and there are few states I have not crossed, and I have always witnessed the beauty of creation in each one. This morning I was really missing Santa Fe, New Mexico, and the little shops I've discovered hidden from the general public. Of course, there are some here, or there used to be, in the fan area of Richmond, near the original Virginia Commonwealth University college site. I've wanted just to go, park, and walk, but I wouldn't know where to begin! It's so different after all these years.}

^{But all of this side talk has nothing to do with my thoughts for the day, or perhaps my original thoughts have changed. Maybe this is Holy Spirit's way of nudging me into another direction. That happens, ya know. Man has his plans, but then God has the say so. I like it that way!}

^{My daughter and I were discussing the trials we go through, and how everyone wants to blame what happens on the devil or God, if no one else is around to pay for our troubles!! Many things that happen to us are a result of our own stupidity, as in my messing with the trees. The devil didn't snap that branch and send me flying backwards, but I'm certain that God kept me from impaling myself on a sharp branch or from breaking my hip and leg...or neck. That rusted wheelbarrow could have jammed metal into my backsides. I hit pretty hard, so many things could have happened, but God, in His mercy spared me. Still, we're never enthusiastic about suffering, whatever the cause, and grief takes on many forms, as does worry.} 

^{The verse Pastor Jack shared yesterday was from Job 19:25: "For I know that my Redeemer lives, and He shall stand at last on the earth;" but there's much more to Job's comments that this off repeated statement. At this stage of the visit from his friends who have come to console him in his misery, Job still trusts in God. Here are his thoughts in verses 23-27 to consider in context:}

^{"Oh, that my words were written! Oh, that they were inscribed in a book! For I know that my Redeemer lives, and He shall stand at last on the earth; and after my skin is destroyed, this I know, that in my flesh I shall see God, whom I shall see for myself, and my eyes shall behold, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!"}

^{Job became bewildered by the incessant chatter of his companions for sure, and he even lamented the day he was born, but he never lost hope in God's faithfulness. He just didn't understand the why. Understandable. I'm sure we would have had a few bad thoughts had we walked in his sandals and endured the verbal scourging of his friends!} 

^{My daughter has been ill her entire adult life, beginning with one surgery at age four, then difficulties in puberty including trauma, leading to illnesses in her teenage years progressing into her adult years. She will soon turn 53. I cringe when I think of it, because my life followed many similarities, beginning at age three or four, followed by some pretty radical situations, medical conditions, and other things, but I endured constant pain and suffering for 57 years, until God healed me. Regardless of personal suffering, both my daughter and I, as well as my younger son, can say that the troubles of this world taught us many worthwhile things. In the scripture above, Peter is speaking of suffering for the glory of God, and spiritual persecution is also something we three have encountered on our journeys. So, let's consider the full counsel of Peter in this section, looking at verses 12-19:} 

"Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.  If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? Now 'If the righteous one is scarcely saved, Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear.' Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator."

^{Peter is speaking of persecutions we will experience for being called believers and followers of Christ. This comes from the man who denied he knew Jesus, but he was restored, and many came to Christ as a result of it. Right now many are being persecuted for their Jewish heritage, and even Gentile believers who stand in support of Israel, are being attacked viciously. Hate crimes are on the rise, and in California, the national guard has had to be called in. Who knows what will be the end of it! But we definitely need to be strong and brave, knowing that this has been foretold in scripture.}

^{We have a choice to make. We have to decide whether we trust God or not, or more pointedly, whether we are ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ or not. Like Job, we are in a spiritual battle, and like Job, we need to be ready to withstand it against all odds.}

^{Roaming along the streets of Richmond trying to discover the little places I enjoyed as a student at VCU and MCV may not be as safe as they once were, especially since I wear my allegiance to Christ around my neck and on my clothing. The enemy may not cause accidents, such as my tree incident, but I'm sure he had a big hee-haw of laughter seeing my pain. And although I may have had to forego my in person church service, I had other options. Even so, as long as I have breath, I will sing of the glory of the Lord. And if one day I'm confronted for my faith on a street corner, then, prayerfully I'll stand against the attack or bravely and silently hold my peace. We never know what we will have to encounter, so we must be ready and be faithful.}