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Think It Not Strange

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 2, 1907

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 84, No. 18.

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Think It Not Strange

By J. S. WASHBURN

J. S. WASHBURN
“BELOVED, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you.” 1 Peter 4:12. How necessary is this exhortation of the Holy Spirit through the apostle Peter! Is it not true that every one of us, when brought into trial and difficulty, have thought it very strange that God should permit such trouble to come upon us? Are we not always tempted to think it a strange thing? Do we not often say, “Why God has permitted this trouble to come upon me I can not tell.” Or we sometimes say of another, a friend, perhaps, “I can’t understand why God permits such a trial to come upon this dear friend of mine.”
We are warned against this very thing. “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 partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.” “Whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.”
He permits the devil to tempt us, to try us, to test us, as he permitted Satan to tempt, to harass, to bring all the terrible might of his power to bear upon Jesus, and even he “learned obedience by the things which he suffered.” Do we think it strange that these trials came upon Jesus? Then shall we think it strange if some trials which may seem to us as great in proportion to our strength, come upon us?
“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.” 1 Peter 5:19. “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” 1 Peter 4:7. O, when the battle is over, when the victory is won, and we are safe in the blessed home that Jesus is preparing, we shall see that the trials which we have thought so strange were but preparing us for a place in his work, and in his everlasting kingdom. Beloved, when the next trial comes, think it not strange, but rejoice.