1 Peter 4:12-13 (KJV)
12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
When people say come to Jesus Christ and all your problems will be solved they do not give the full pictures. Jesus Christ will dealt with the biggest problem of humanity which is sin separating us from GOD. Through Jesus Christ we can be reconciled with GOD if we believe and put our trust in Jesus Christ. The work of Jesus on the cross did it all. That is He bore our just punishment, He shed His blood for our sins and He rose again so that we can have new live in Him and be reconciled with GOD. This is the biggest problem He solved for us.
When we turn to Christ we become a target of the devil the enemy of our soul who wants us not to follow Jesus Christ. “Ephesians 6:10-12 (KJV) Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. [11] Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. [12] For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”. When we turn to Christ we are now part of the Kingdom of God and have been removed from the kingdom of darkness but physically we are still here on earth surrounded by the darkness but shining the light of Jesus Christ.
GOD allows these trials and sufferings to help us grow “James 1:2-4 (KJV) My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; [3] Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. [4] But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” become more like Jesus in character “Ephesians 4:13 (KJV) Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:”.
Therefore even through hardship we can rejoice because we are destined for heaven “John 14:2 (KJV) In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” Because we are just passing through and are being transformed and renewed by Him. Be encouraged to not give in but stand firm in your faith knowing “1 Peter 1:9 (KJV) Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.”.
Therefore let us all be encouraged to rejoice in the midst of the suffering which is only for a while and do as in “1 Peter 4:19 (KJV) Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.” For we full know that when we call on Jesus He will save us and He will be glorified “Psalms 50:15 (KJV) And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.”