Beloved. Our brother, Paul, calls us the Loved ones. It's a reminder of our relationship to Christ and to him. We reserve the term for those dearest to us, so it seems odd to start a letter about suffering with this address. Why would God allow his loved ones to suffer? But God's truth is that loved ones must too be tested and in the course of walking out our faith, we will experience the fire of trials.
However, when we read the accounts of Paul's life and of other early followers, and juxtapose them to the events of our everyday lives, I find it difficult to use the same language. Surely, we all encounter difficulties, some more than others. But how much of our 'sufferings' would qualify as "fiery trials"? Some things are just 'cares of life'. The unexpected flat tire. The cut in pay. The minor injury, the summer cold. The wayward child, the aches and pains, the cancelled flight, the crying baby. The empty nest, the failing grade, the stolen car, the false friend - these God allows just to test our faith, to prune us, to free our hearts and minds from lust and pride, to build our faith and reliance on him. They are not fiery trials. They prepare us for them.
Fiery trials are the sufferings we endure because of our choice to follow Christ and to live life His way. They are the world's response to our standard of living - not how much we make but how we choose to spend it, who we choose to love, how we serve and our persistent stand against injustice. Those who choose to live a life that demonstrates what we believe will be tested and some, by fire. In these we demonstrate God's glory. When we suffer well hearts are changed. Souls are saved. The name of Jesus is lifted.
Most of our modern day, Western world suffering is not worthy to be compared. But when it is, count it all joy. It is a small price to pay for being included in the company of the beloved.
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