Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.—1 Peter 4:12-13 (NIV)

The road sign immediately caught my attention:

Rough Road Ahead

Wouldn’t it be nice if life worked like that? Where we receive warnings that tough times are coming? But isn’t it more often that the storms of life hit us—seemingly out of nowhere? A scary diagnosis, the abrupt break in a relationship, the sudden layoff… These unexpected disruptions force us to navigate a rough road—one we never would have chosen.

All of us can relate to experiencing troubles and difficulties in our lives. So why do they catch us off guard? Many of us have been led to believe that life should be easy. Even as Christians, we can be lulled into believing that our lives should be struggle free.

In 1978, Dr. M. Scott Peck addressed this belief in his book, The Road Less Traveled. His opening words remind us that life is difficult. He then promises that understanding and accepting this truth will make life easier. It is a powerful truth.

Even though it’s true, I don’t like it. My comfort-loving self wants to live problem free. But life is actually a continual exercise in problem solving. As soon as we solve one problem, another pops up to take its place. Accepting this truth doesn’t mean we constantly look ahead and anticipate every potential problem looming in our paths. Not only would this be impossible, it would be exhausting. 

There is a fine line between anticipating trouble and not being surprised by it. Consider these words from the Apostle Peter:

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. (1 Peter 4:12 NIV)

Peter addresses Christians who were experiencing trials, harsh treatment, and suffering—especially because of their faith (1 Peter 1:6). The words fiery ordeal are translated from the Greek word purósis. This verb described the burning process by which metals were purified. 

Peter reminds these Christians to not let their suffering surprise them. They didn’t do anything wrong. The suffering caused by their fiery ordeals were simply God’s tools to refine, or purify, their faith. 

He then comforts them with these words:

But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. (1 Peter 4:13 NIV)

It seems counterintuitive to rejoice in our sufferings. But Peter points to the bigger picture. Suffering allows us to share in what Jesus experienced. When we grasp how He suffered for us, we will experience Jesus in a deeper, more personal way. And one day all of our sufferings will end and we will rejoice in His glory.

I still don’t like to suffer. But I do like what suffering produces: a stronger faith and a deeper, more personal relationship with Jesus. 

It would be nice if life came with warning signs. But we don’t need a sign to tell us rough roads lie ahead. We may not know the nature of the troubles we will face, but we can allow them to deepen our faith and our relationship with Jesus. And that is a reason to rejoice.

Dear Lord Jesus, Thank You for suffering for us. We don’t like to suffer, but when we do, help us draw close to You. We pray for these trials to refine our faith and deepen our connection with You. Help us to see the purpose in our suffering and to look forward to seeing Your glory. We pray in Your name. Amen.