1 Peter 4:12-13, “Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.”
Have you ever been in a season of transition or you thought things were going to go a certain way and then they begin to look drastically different from what you had imagined? Just when you think…well this is still ok, we can go with the flow…no worries…THEN…BAM, a sucker punch! Rattled to the core, you just sit and look around like what just happened??
Well, that is where I feel like I’ve been for the last several months. We had a plan and stepped out but as things began to unfold, while still great, they looked nothing at all like what we thought. We settled in and were good with things but THEN…the sucker punch…I began having some health challenges.
To be very honest, I was struggling. I felt bad physcially, was having World War III in my thoughts and I just wanted to withdraw. Although everything in our life felt new and different, something about this scenerio felt familiar. I began to think back over my life and discovered something quite interesting. Before any big transition or breakthrough in our lives, a battle with my health always preceded it.
Then I started to get fired up…why would this time be any different? This is how the enemy works. He knows my health is how he can distract me and the rest of my family. What a loser!! I began to claim healing and health and every time I would feel bad, I would just read scripture over and over again. I am thrilled to report that all tests have come back with no major issues! Praise the Lord!! I was reminded, like in the above verse, that we shouldn’t be surprised when the enemy comes at the most vulnerable parts of our lives. It’s how he works, it’s what he does…he moves in on an already tense or sensitive situation and delivers a sucker punch to knock you to your feet.
Whatever you’re going through today, don’t be surprised at how the enemy attacks you. If you’re moving forward – you’re a threat so his plan is to take you out. Instead of being caught off guard, be prepared for his attacks and arm yourself with the Word of God. Claim the promises of His word over you and your family. What God allows you to walk through, He will use to strengthen you to do what He is calling you to do. Stand firm, fight hard and step boldly into the destiny God has for you!
I also love the verse as The Message Bible puts it…
1 Peter 4:12-13 (MSG), “Friends, when life gets really difficult, don’t jump to the conclusion that God isn’t on the job. Instead, be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner.”
Erin L.A. Jones 