Think it not strange!

When I woke up this morning, I kept hearing the phrase, “think it not strange” but I couldn’t remember what scripture it went with. I knew it was one of those churchy phrases that folks like to use but I couldn’t get the context. It just kept repeating over and over again in my head. When I finally found myself in 1 Peter 4, I just about ran down the hall at my office. Today, God wants to encourage you! He wants you to know that He is watching and nothing that you are going through has gone unnoticed. You see, some of you have had some rough roads to travel and some hard situations to deal with. You have been attacked and somewhat surprised by the actions of those that should know better. But God said to tell you this morning that He knows what He is doing and He has it under control! There’s glory on the other side of what you’re going through.

In 1 Peter, the Apostle Peter is talking to the churches in Asia Minor that are suffering religious persecution and he is reminding them to maintain their faith in spite of the persecution. Chapter 4 is particularly powerful as he reminds the churches of their connection to Christ and His suffering. He reminds them of what they gained by leaving their past behind and embracing Christ and to keep pressing and using the gifts that God has given them. This morning,  God used “think it not strange” to bring me to a section of chapter 4 that I believe will bless you. It reads,

Friends, when life gets really difficult, don’t jump to the conclusion that God isn’t on the job. Instead, be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner. If you’re abused because of Christ, count yourself fortunate. It’s the Spirit of God and his glory in you that brought you to the notice of others. If they’re on you because you broke the law or disturbed the peace, that’s a different matter. But if it’s because you’re a Christian, don’t give it a second thought. Be proud of the distinguished status reflected in that name! It’s judgment time for God’s own family. We’re first in line. If it starts with us, think what it’s going to be like for those who refuse God’s Message! If good people barely make it, what’s in store for the bad? So if you find life difficult because you’re doing what God said, take it in stride. Trust him. He knows what He’s doing, and He’ll keep on doing it. (1 Pet. 4: 12-19 MSG)

Can I just remind you that God is present in your life? He is not taken by surprise when things come against you or challenge your faith. No! He is right there and He is ever ready to protect and keep you. This passage is an encouragement to you to keep doing what He says despite opposition, conflict, and downright evil. The NKJV says, “do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you…” Don’t be surprised that you are being attacked or mistreated because you are doing what He said. Instead, recognize that the test is to grow you and push you to your destiny. That challenging relationship is to build you and transform you for your purpose. It isn’t by accident and it isn’t going to kill you! Nope, it’s to prepare you for the glory that is coming after it. Oh and you don’t have to take judgement or punishment into your own hands. God is not only watching over you and the situations that you face, but He is paying attention to those that He loves that aren’t living up to His word or representing Him well. He will handle it. Take your hands off! In 2017, God is moving you and changing your strategy. He is shifting you out of how you have always done things and birthing creativity out of your obedience. Think it not strange, when the enemy tries to stop you. Just know that He doesn’t have the power to do so…unless you let him.

Amen.