Trusting and Rejoicing

Let us talk some more about trusting. In 1 Peter 4:12-13 we are told: 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. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.

Rejoicing, suffering, fiery trials...these words do not seem to go together.  At least, we do not want them to go together.  I see this as a huge place of trust/trusting.  We relate very much to the "something strange" is happening to us when we go through fiery trials

Trusting and rejoicing can be manifested in the peace we can have on the journey.  It can baffle the world.  Human reasoning can look at fiery trials and find all the bullet points for not trustng and rejoicing.  This is a place of having eyes that do not see, and ears that do not hear.  It is a place measured by logic instead of faith.  The temptation in our temptations is to kick into a helpless victim.  Here is a wonderful place to do healing work for the wounds of which we have not yet become aware.

Trusting and rejoicing in the fiery trials is accomplished by understanding that we are in an education process of the Holy Spirit...the university of unlearning is what I like to call it.  Remember those days when going to school, taking a seminar or other type of education just thrilled you?  Learning is a Divine appointment.  The realization that the fiery trial is a Divine invitation into healing and transformation can change our perspective of the trial.  It does not make it easier on the earthly plane.  It does on the emotional/spiritual level.  Crucifixion hurts.

Trusting and rejoicing can come with the responsibility of the fiery trial because we can believe that our spirits are safe.   We can know that there is a purpose for all this: "...rejoice and be glad when His glory is revealed."  Wow!  When His glory (character) is revealed.  His bidding is His enabling.  My spirit is safe because I am working with Him for the revelation of His character.  We are changed from glory to glory...character change.  We do not hear much about this aspect of things.  This absence of education/training has left a huge void in our spiritual awareness.

Trusting and rejoicing can come with the awareness of growing truth.  What do I mean?  More than once I have said that when I was 30/40 I thought I knew everything.  When I was 40/50, I knew that I did not know anything.  In the 50s/60s, I understood that I did not even know what the questions were.  It is more peaceful at this place than any place I have yet been. The growing truth is about trusting that God is the author and finisher of my journey.  With this established, I can relax in whatever course He has enrolled me in at the university of unlearning.  Relaxing...I have nothing to prove and nothing to defend.   This peaceful place is living proof that the miracle of God's transforming grace is being worked out in us.  It is a place of restful support.  An embracing of "The Lord is my Shepherd I shall not want."