January 5 Through the Fiery Trials 1 Peter 4:12-13
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.” (1 Peter 4:12-13)
The absolute fact of living is that we will have trials and tribulations, yet we have hope (John 16:33). Have you ever met someone that seemed to be resilient and “armor coated,” as they navigate through the trials and challenges of this life? There was such a lady, in our small community, when I was a boy. Miss Ethel was the first one to respond, when needs arose, in the community and she was the first one (usually with my mother) to reach out to new people that would visit our church. She was a true example of the active, “Faith in Action” believer! Then it happened, Miss Ethel received the call that her son, a soldier, had been killed in the line of duty, in Vietnam. Before the news could settle into reality, her younger son was severely injured in a freak car accident. To compound the issues, her house burned to the ground while she was at the funeral home, planning her son’s service. Now, you would think that this would be enough to alter her attitude and crush her very soul! You would be wrong… This amazing lady, with her world crumbling around her, spoke with assurance, that her Savior had this in His hands and that she was His and He promised to take care of her! Listen to her words…they are etched into my memory: “Lord, please let me walk in Your beauty and Your Grace, not in the ugliness of despair and pain.” I witnessed His Grace fully embraced in her life. She saw the world through His eyes, and she refused to be shaken by events and circumstances. Dear friends, we have a choice in the way that we respond to adversity! This precious lady taught Sunday School for as long as I could remember, and she was active in the “outreach visitation program,” and she was always spreading joy to those around her. A few years later, I read a poem that described “Miss” Ethel completely. It is called, Let Me Rise… “Lord, in the fire of my trials, let me rise on wings of eagles to soar again. In the depths of my depression, give me the power to float upward towards the warm sun where renewal and hope are found. From the ashes of my suffering, let me find the seed of new growth, of new life. From the darkness of my despair, let me be guided homeward by the light of Your love for me” (Author Unknown). She did rise above the circumstances, and she did continue to share God’s sustaining love. Her house was rebuilt, her son that was injured in the car wreck, recovered, and the son that died in Vietnam, was honored in our community when he was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart and the Distinguished Service Medal, for his bravery, in the face of enemy fire. The actions of this young man saved the lives of his fellow soldiers. Selfless actions in the face of adversity, wonder where he learned that behavior? I had the honor to be a part of “Miss” Ethel’s Celebration of Life Service, and I spoke of her witness and her dedication and her steadfast commitment to her God, her Faith, and Her Family. Remember this fact: Tough time will come, Challenges will occur! It is up to you how you will respond to the realities! It is easy to remain faithful during the “good times!” The challenge is to remain “Faithful” during the TOUGH TIMES! Commit these words to memory: “Lord, please let me walk in Your beauty and Your Grace, not in the ugliness of despair and pain.” Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!