12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.
1 Peter 4:12

In college, we were required to take a year of physical education, one semester in a classroom and one a sport. I decided to take tennis, not so much because I liked the sport, but because I knew a girl I was interested in was going to take it (to finish the story I, being somewhat competitive, was playing doubles and accidentally gave her a bloody nose with an overhand smash—oops). Anyway, we had a great instructor who chided us when we intentionally sought out opponents who we knew we could defeat. She said that it was important, in sports, to find someone better then you so you could play up to their level as well as learn from them and your mistakes.
Peter is suggesting the same thing regarding faith. When our faith is tested, through a fiery ordeal or something not as dramatic, then we learn lessons and our faith grows. I learned this the hard way as the second church I served put me through the ringer with harsh criticisms of just about everything I did. However, while that time was traumatic, I learned a great deal about ministry, as well as the presence of God. For it was only God, and a loving family, that got me through the fire. So, friends, I am sorry if you are going through a fiery ordeal. Know that your brothers and sisters are praying for you, but know also that God will use that ordeal to strengthen your faith and provide some life lessons.
As I picked up the phone this morning to read the news, it appears there might be a fiery ordeal in Korea. I call upon all of my friends to pray for peace.