A Common Misconception
“Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you.
Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.” – 1 Peter 4:12-13 (NLT)
When people first come to Christ, it’s a common misconception that their lives will somehow become easier, or that at least their fears, anxieties and struggles would dissipate to some extent. In effect however, that’s rarely the case. With that Blessed renewal of our spirit, in some respects our lives can actually become more complicated as we strive to follow in Jesus’ footsteps. The important thing to remember however is that trials in His name are in fact Blessings unto themselves; drawing us closer to His path, and bringing joy in the knowledge that He shares our struggles with us.