Every time I try to do something good...
When I make up my mind to totally devote everything to God...
Just when I step out to do something great for God... it seems bad things happen.

I can wake up and during my morning drive just be praying to God to use me today and I will really be feeling His presence. Then one phone call or one incident can have my entire day turned upside down. I have come to the realization that I will not be able to please everyone at all times. But when I read God's word, neither did Jesus. He was even three days late for one request.

Even God knew these times would come.

1Peter 4:12
"Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you."

So God knows everything that is going on in my life and if He isn't surprise by it, I shouldn't be either. Then in verse 13 He tells me what to do when these times come upon me. He says, "Keep on rejoicing!".

When it seems bad - rejoice!
When the day starts off the wrong way - rejoice!
When the news is not good - rejoice!
When you feel like dirt - rejoice!

Because the God I was serving before the "fiery ordeals" hit is the same God who will be there for me through those times and after I get on the other side of the problem. That is something to rejoice about!

Prayer:
"Lord, thank you for being there for me in the good and the bad times. Help me to realize today that things I go through do not compare to what Jesus went through just so I could have this conversation with you. The tough times make me stronger. So today must be my weightlifting day. Here I am God, ready for my workout. Make me what you want me to be! Amen!"