Dear friends, don’t be surprised when the fiery ordeal comes among you to test you, as if something unusual were happening to you (1 Peter 4:12).
We had been having perfect summer weather—hot but not unbearably so, dry, and breezy. It was the kind of weather you’d hope to have for an outdoor concert festival. My favorite band was in town, and I was excited to see them play live once again. But as the days went by and the weather forecast for the night of the concert came into full view, I realized I might not get what I wanted. In fact, when the evening arrived, it was raining, and the temperature had fallen into the upper forties—completely unseasonable and unexpected for Tennessee.
My wife and I buried ourselves under blankets and ponchos and tried to enjoy the music over the sound of our own teeth chattering. We made it through, but it was hardly an enjoyable experience. If the concert hadn’t featured a band I’ve been following since college, I probably would have opted to stay home and stay warm.
Here in the West, we Christians have been enjoying “nice weather,” so to speak. We are free to practice our faith, share the gospel, and worship openly without fear of reprisal. But in other parts of the world, this is not so. And just so we don’t assume the breezy, dry weather will continue, the Bible tells us not to be surprised when persecution comes our way. As Jesus Himself said, “If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you” (John 15:20).
It’s our responsibility, right now, to prepare for the storm that’s coming. Things will get uncomfortable, messy, dangerous, and downright deadly before the end comes. So, cling to Jesus, trust His promises, put God’s Word in your heart, and stand firm in the truth. When the rain begins to pour, you’ll be ready.
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Pages of Joy // John Greco 
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