1 Pet. 4:12-19, 1 Pet. 5:8-11, Rom. 1:21-32, Jer. 9:7-16, 2 Cor. 12:7-10.

 “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy” (1 Peter 4:12, 13, NKJV).

 In chemistry labs one often places various materials into a small container and heats them to extreme temperatures. As the container becomes hotter, the materials either melt, fizzle, spit, or burn brightly, depending upon what they are made of. The container is called a crucible.

 A crucible is defined in the dictionary as
   (1) a vessel used for melting a substance that requires a high degree of heat,
   (2) a severe test,
   (3) a place or situation in which concentrated forces interact to cause or influence change or development.

 These definitions also give us a helpful insight into what happens in our spiritual lives. This week we’ll highlight some reasons we may suddenly find ourselves under pressure and experiencing tests in places in which circumstances cause us to change, develop, and grow in character. This will help to give us an awareness of what God is doing in our lives so that when we enter a crucible, we will have an idea of how to respond.

 The Week at a Glance: What are the causes of the difficult times that we experience through our lives?