1 Peter 4:12-13
Beloved, do not be surprised that a trial by fire is occurring among you, as if something strange were happening to you. But rejoice to the extent that you share in the sufferings of Christ…
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There is a Filipino delicacy called “bibingka” (rice cake). Traditionally, it is cooked by putting fire underneath and then covered with a contraption that contains live coals.. This is to ensure that it is cooked uniformly. As a result, the cake would come out soft and delicious.
Today, you may experience “heat” from above, below and around us due to problems and sufferings. And our belief is that if things aren't going well, God has abandoned us or is punishing us.
But, I would tell you, this is not true. Being a Christian is very likely going to bring us trials and distress and suffering. And when these things happen to us, we need to feel closer to God.
Believe me, I'm not speaking in the abstract here - I experience the death of my father and my mother and it wasn't easy. But during those experiences, I have never felt closer to the Lord - His presence is very strong, in the midst of our suffering, and I have seen a great deal of good come from it, like that very delicious “bibingka”.
God took on the flesh of man so He can share in our sufferings. And until now, He is doing it. Jesus is always here with us now - crying with us, sharing in our suffering.
For it was by His suffering in the cross that we are saved.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, You sacrificed Your son so that we and our children would live beyond physical death. Your understanding is beyond our comprehension, but give us the knowledge and faith to endure even that which we cannot understand. You will always be our God, and that Your Love is Life that can never really be taken away. Amen +
The Lord comes to judge the earth.
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