No assembly required

1st Peter 4:13

I truly dislike "assembly required" anything. I guess
that's what makes many things affordable, but I don't have
to like it. have you ever assembled anything complicated?
One of the worst things I have ever had the misfortune to
put together was a Roll-top desk for my mother. The
instructions looked lik it had the same amount of pages as
"War and Peace". I loved helping Mom, but this thing had
like 200 pieces. It took me almost 8 hours and 2 doses of
Tylenol. It was just insane. When I was done with it, the
results was WELL worth it. My Mom just loved it.

As we grow in Christ we are much the same as that project.
Christians are promised many amazing things. Eph. Chapters
1-3 comes to mind. If you have never read it, you should,
if you have, you should read it again. In my bible I have
it labeled "WE the Believers". One thing we are definitely
NOT promised is a smooth, carefree, trouble free walk with
Jesus. 1st Peter 4:13 tells us to rejoice that we partake
of Jesus' sufferings. The rejoicing part is three fold.

First, he is using circumstances to shape us into his image
and fit us for Heaven. Second, so we can comfort others
with the same comfort we have received from him (2nd Cor
1:4) and what he has taught us. Third, (it is my favorite
part) we get to walk hand in hand with Jesus; right through
the thickest fire of refining. We never walk alone. (Dan
3:25-30) Like my Moms desk, the results of enduring trials
are more than worth it because the end results are the
Masters piece. Let us Pray:

Lord, You have given your Children so very much. We are
co-heirs with Christ and cared for by you. We are a Royal
Priesthood. So much you have given to us. Lord, trial and
tribulations will come. Sickness and tribulations are part
of the human condition. Through them you make us better
than we were: more Christ-like. We grow more in those times
than in times of smooth sailing. For these we thank you
Holy one. In Jesus' name, Amen.