“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. “ 1 Peter 4:12
          We all have adversities. They range in scope from mild to catastrophic.  From stubbing a toe to financial stress, from waiting in line to bad news from the doctor, from heavy traffic to the loss of a loved one.
          In a sense, we expect life to go without a hitch.  Oh, in theory we know that there is suffering and difficulty in life but when it actually happens we immediately do whatever we can to make it stop.  We would like to avoid it altogether but the reality is, it is a natural part of living in a fallen world.  Peter tells us not to be surprised. 
          HOW we journey through suffering is largely impacted by our theology, our view of God, our view of self, our perspective of life.  If we believe life should proceed without suffering, we will be surprised at the fiery trials that come upon us.  We will kick and scream, even if it is only on the inside and, sadly, we will grow more angry and bitter – ultimately at God for allowing such a thing in our life. 
          If, however, we know that life does bring pain and suffering because we live in a fallen world and we are strangers in the land, we will not be so caught off guard when trials come and we will soon turn to the Lord to bring us through it. 
        I am reminded of a verse in Psalms I read and prayed this morning; “The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, A refuge in times of trouble, And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; For You, LORD have not forsaken those who seek you.” Psalm 9:9-10
          A refuge — shelter or protection from danger or distress; a place that provides shelter or protection; something to which one has recourse in difficulty (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/refuge accessed 8.13.13)
          He is our refuge – an ever present help.   “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1 Where do we run to in times of fiery trials? – to our refuge and our strength.  It is a real, palatable place.  A place of comfort if we practice running there and finding rest.  God is our refuge… take Him at His word. 

Blessings,
Diane

Diane Hunt is part of the Development and Addiction Recovery teams at America’s Keswick.  In addition to being a Biblical Counselor, she is a Women’s speaker for retreats, conferences and events.  She is a regular writer for Victory Call and one of the authors of Crossing the Jordan Bible Study. She has been married to her husband John over 28 years.  She has 2 adult children and 3 grandchildren and 3 adult step-children with 7 grandchildren making 10 in all.  She delights reading and teaching, but mostly laughing at the funny things her grandchildren say and do.