MANNA FROM 18 APRIL
Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you; but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are made partakers of Christ's sufferings; that when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy — 1 Pet. 4:12, 13.
In an unfriendly world we can expect to receive only the reproaches of our Master, for the servant is not above his Lord. The world, the flesh and the devil oppose our way. There are fightings within and fears without, and many are the arrows and fiery darts aimed at the righteous. But what is the safe attitude of the soul under afflictions and severe testings? Is it not in silence before God, waiting and watching first to see His leading, His will, in every matter before presuming to touch things that often involve so much? So the Psalmist suggests, saying, "I was dumb with silence; I held my peace, even from good [even from doing or saying what seemed good in my own sight]".
It should not surprise God's children when trials come, for their consecration implies suffering with Christ. Nor should it discourage them; rather it should be the cause of rejoicing, because it affords them the privilege of suffering with Christ, an experience which should make all the sweeter the glory to follow. The greater the suffering endured, the greater will be the glory to be revealed. Well may this thought encourage us.
REPRINTS
Rom. 6:1-11; 8:10, 17; 2 Cor. 1:5; 4:10; 1 Cor. 15:29-34; Mark 10:35-39; Col. 2:11, 12; Gal. 2:20; 2 Tim. 2:10-12; Phil. 3:10; 1 Pet. 2:19-24; 3:14, 17, 18; 4:16, 19; Heb. 7:26, 27; 13:10-16; 10:4-10, 19; 9:13-23; 1 Pet. 2:5, 9.
