“Beloved, do not be surprised that a trial by fire is occurring among you, as if something strange were happening to you. But rejoice to the extent that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that when his glory is revealed you may also rejoice exultantly.”
1 Peter 4:12-13 (NAB)
We all have fluctuations of highs and lows throughout our lives, and the highest and best moments are a foretaste of the joy that we will one day experience in heaven. Any experience of loving and being loved here on earth is just a small foretaste of the greatest love we will ever know in the presence of Christ one day.
Our lowest moments and most fiery trials are a reminder that we are engaged in constant spiritual warfare, and Peter tells us not to be surprised by these trials. He assures us that a time of rejoicing will also come. Paul reminded us that we should never let down our guard, but always wear our helmet of salvation and hold up our shield of faith, while keeping our sword in hand, which is the word of God. The enemy of our soul is always trying to rob us of the most valuable thing we have, our faith. It’s the same old enemy who tried to rob Jesus in the desert. Many scriptures remind us to anchor ourselves in Christ so that we can withstand the attacks of the enemy.
The church is referred to as the bride of Christ, but it’s not the time for putting on formal wedding garments just yet. Jesus loves His church, and we are His betrothed bride to be. Our future hope is to be united with Him, but for now, we need to wear the clothes of soldiers, not brides. We are God’s army, prepared to fight whatever spiritual battles are necessary to stay faithful to our bridegroom. For now, we keep our shield of faith held up, and our sword of the Spirit in our hand, while we fight the spiritual fight of faith. When Jesus returns He will prepare a wedding feast in Heaven, and He told a parable about wearing the proper garments for that wedding feast, by being spiritually sober and alert for His return.
Whether we are on a mountain top at a high point of our life, or in the lowest valley, fighting for our faith, we will win the battles by staying dressed in the protective armor of a soldier and giving God all the praise. The Holy Spirit is with us and leads us to victory both on the mountain tops and the lowest valleys.
One day it will be time to change our clothes. We will change out of the soldier’s armor and put on our formal wedding garments, which are purified and cleansed by the precious shed blood of the Lamb.
As a bridegroom knows His bride, and looks forward to seeing her in her wedding gown, Jesus knows each of us personally and longs to see us on that day. He will call us by name as He gazes at us, and there can be no greater feeling than to be seen and known by Jesus in His presence. It’s the introduction to an eternal life of perfect joy. We will be taken up to a realm, we have long contemplated, but finally will know, with a joy that surpasses any earthly rewards or pleasures. We only see these truths through a glass now, but on that day, we will see face to face. In this life, we get a taste of love, but on that day we will know the fullness of love in the presence of Jesus. Until then, we keep our armor on, go where His Spirit leads us and fight the good fight of faith, planning for and envisioning our future wedding day with Jesus. Amen, come Lord Jesus.