Unfazed by the Fire

“Beloved,

Do not be surprised

At the fiery trial

When it comes upon you to test you

As though something strange

Were happening to you” (1 Peter 4:12, ESV).

Thought it might seem

An odd blessing—

To be less surprised

At fiery trials—

It is real power,

Real maturity,

To be unfazed by the fire.

It is no invitation

To expect the bad.

No, God is good,

And you have a future and a hope.

But I bless you

To have wisdom

To keep adversity in perspective,

Patience to endure pain for its moment,

And the grace to rejoice

No matter what.