I Peter 4:12

Do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.

1 Peter 4:12

Do not be surprised
You'll suffer many things
'Twas Jesus they despised
And He was to be King

Do not be surprised
Just follow in His path
As wisdom grows inside
Offer Him what is asked

Do not be surprised
When the proof of His love
Does what you cannot do
And joy pours from above

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my inspiration

Do not be surprised if you are rejected. You will find this statement truer every year as you go on, growing deeper in the Lord: if you and I follow the way He went, we will be rejected too.

The apostle James writes, concerning trials: “Consider if pure joy, my brothers…” (James 1:2).

Oh, what a book the Bible is! If only we would steep our souls in its mighty comfort, we would never go far wrong – we would never lose heart. You and I are meant to follow in the steps of our Lord, not avoid them.

It is no small gift of love, this opportunity to be offered up – something you would not naturally choose, something that asks far more than you would naturally give. That’s proof of His love. So let joy grow within you when rejection comes – for you are offering to the Lord what He asks you to offer Him: the chance to show you what He can do.

Amy Carmichael, Candles in the Dark, p. 67.