Fiery Trials by Mary De Grote

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 18, 1900

Fiery Trials.

By Mary De Grote

MARY DE GROTE.

“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 partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.” 1 Peter 4 : 12, 13.

Would it not be well in times like these last days if we should have words of encouragement and comfort for those who are weighed down with the trials and toils of this life, instead of being quick to denounce and to sit in judgment against them?

When Jesus was among men, he looked on mankind in love; he had pity for the weak ones, love for the erring ones, and always, everywhere he went among them to do them good. How often when, from an earthly standpoint, things looked dark, and the arm of flesh failed us, we have longed for an encouraging word from some of God’s people. But we learned to turn to the blessed words of truth, and read that if we suffer with him here, we shall reign with him hereafter; and it was our comfort to know that it is better, if the will of God be so, that we suffer for well-doing than for evil-doing. 1 Peter 3 : 17.

These last days are days of severest trials—days of turning from the truth unto fables—days of bereavement—days when the arm of flesh can not be trusted—and yet they are days when we may rejoice that our redemption draws nigh. Think it not strange that you are to be tried. All denotes the perilous last days spoken of by Paul, when men are lovers of pleasure more than of God.

May we not take courage, since time is so short! Putting on the whole armor of the Lord Jesus Christ, let us go forth to battle with sin everywhere, on all sides of us; and —

“Whatever thy danger, Take heed and beware, And turn not thy back, For no armor is there.”

The Lord says, Rejoice inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s suffering. It takes grace to rejoice in times of trouble. We realized this when death entered our home over a year ago, and laid low three of our dear, loved ones, leaving us sad and lonely. But Jesus’ voice will soon call them from the land of the enemy; and if faithful to God’s commands, we shall meet again in the earth made new, where death can not part, where no trials nor persecutions can ever come, where God will wipe all tears from all eyes by removing everything that would cause tears, and where we may bask in the sunshine of God’s smiles through all eternity.

And he calls us his “Beloved.” He loved this sinful world so much that he gave his life for it. He loves the sinner, but not the sin. He loves us now, and is touched with the feeling of our infirmities, our helplessness. So let us take courage, and remember that trials and sufferings and persecutions will come until Jesus comes, whose right it is to reign. In paradise restored we shall meet loved ones, where the wicked cease from troubling, and where the weary shall indeed find rest. May God help us to be ready when Jesus comes, that we may hear from his blessed lips the “Well done,” and see him in his kingdom!