Tempted and Tried

We are assured that trials will come. “All who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Tim. 3:12). There is no loophole or exemption clause; there is no way around it. In fact, Peter says not to be surprised when they come upon us, “as though some strange thing were happening” (1 Pet. 4:12). And James prepares us not for “if” they happen, but “when” (Jam. 1:2). Seeing that we cannot escape these “various” trials, coming in different shapes and sizes, often from unexpected sources, what can we do about them?

Cheer up. What does James say to do? “Count it all joy” (Jam. 1:2). How does Peter tell us to respond? “Keep on rejoicing” (1 Pet. 4:12). Jesus Himself preached in the Sermon on the Mount that when people insult you and persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil agains