1 Peter 4:12-13

Dear friends, do not be astonished that a trial by fire is occurring among you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice in the degree that you have shared in the sufferings of Christ, so that when his glory is revealed you may also rejoice and be glad.

Trials, so often, seek to bring out the worst in us. Many times they succeed, and we quickly become dangerous to those closest to us. It is as if thieves are trying to steal away all the fruits of the spirit from within us. Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT) says, "But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." When trials come to you, it is an opportunity to depend upon the sufficiency of Jesus Christ more, and more, and more, and more. Rejoice, not because the trials are punishing you, but because you are being led toward deeper relationship with God, and a more complete understanding of His grace. Living for Jesus means sharing in His sufferings and letting Him be your refuge and strength.