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. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And

“If the righteous is scarcely saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”

Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.

— 1 Peter 4:12-19, English Standard Version

For those of you who question whether there is a God, and whether He is indeed the LORD, then maybe this will help:

Yes, it is from a children’s cartoon and yes, that cartoon would never have aired in today’s climate. But the message in it is profound, and profoundly uplifting.

I am in no position to lecture anyone about how to be a Christian. I am an extremely bad example of one, so no man in his right mind should listen to a single word that I have to say on the subject.

All I can tell you is what I know to be true. The Lord is God, and no matter how random, how difficult, and how brutal things are right now, He has a plan for each and every one of us.

It’s up to us to figure out whether we want to accept His Hand and walk with Him down that road.