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Dear friends, don't be surprised when the fiery ordeal comes among you to test you as if something unusual were happening to you.
1 Peter 4:12 CSB
Suffering.
It's something we don't want, but it's also part of the landscape of this world, part of the story of of our lives.
And here Peter tells us not to be surprised.
Peter may well have been talking here about something specific that was heading the way of those he was writing to, and suffering for being a Christian.
Things are going to happen that are going to hurt.
To stop something being a surprise we anticipate it, prepare for it.
As the church we can be a safe place to share our hurt, to hear and be heard. 
And if that's not the culture of your church then be that person who is a safe place.
How do we do that?
When someone is hurting ask this question:
"How can I pray for you?"
"How can I pray for you right now?"
#donotbesurprised
#bearoneanother
#inthistogether

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