by Ronnie Hewitt
1Peter 4:12-13 “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed.”
No discussion of holiness is true or helpful without an acknowledgement of how earnestly Satan wants to destroy us. Satan lured Adam and Eve to compromise one single act, one slip of holiness, and from there he has brought unspeakable destruction to the human race and to this earth. With that in mind, Paul urges us not to be “surprised at the fiery ordeal” that has come upon us to test us. As he does so, he gives us a new focus. “Rejoice as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed.”
John Eldredge in his book “Restoration Year” (pg. 110) quotes Jesus talking to His disciples as He says, “I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe. 30 I will not say much more to you, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold over Me, 31 but he comes so that the world may learn that I love the Father and do exactly what my Father has commanded Me.” (Jn 14:29-31)
Consider the thought: “He has no hold over me.” Can you imagine the relief that could give to someone, especially you? Just imagine if you were protected from all the ploys, accusations, temptations, snares, assaults, and deceptions of the enemy. What would it be like if they had no effect on you? Your life would be a joy to live. Here’s the thing: It can be. Romans 5:8-10 says, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! 10 For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!” Then Romans 8:31 says, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” Knowing what God has done for us should relief us and give us great joy for living this life.