1 Peter 1:6 - Faith and Trials (continued).
1 Peter 1:6 - Faith and Trials (continued).
1 Peter 1:6 (NLT) So be truly glad! There is wonderful joy
ahead, even though it is necessary for you to endure many trials for a
while.
God knows when we face horrendous situations. He hears our
cries. Even those who maintain the closest fellowship with Him are not
immune to feelings of hopelessness.
Many times God allows us to face hopeless circumstances in
order to test and try our faith; it is the hopelessness that forces us
to seek God, and it is there that we find strength and
refreshment.
Does God care that your trials make you weary? Yes, and He
knows every emotion, need, and desire you have. He also knows exactly
what it will take to bring you into a more intimate relationship with
Him.
The apostle Peter addressed his two letters to "those who
reside as aliens, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia,
Asia, and Bithynia" (1 Pet. 1:1; 2 Pet. 3:1). If he were choosing a
modern title for his letters, he might consider "Encouragement For
Times of Hopelessness," or "Hope For The Hurting," because
encouragement and hope is exactly what Peter conveyed to these hurting
believers.
These believers faced all kinds of persecution. They were
beaten, slandered, assaulted, and in some cases would lose their lives
for their faith in Jesus Christ. Peter called them "aliens" because
they held a citizenship not of this world but of the kingdom of God.
Still, they faced times of discouragement and needed hope. Peter
explained that they could rejoice even in times of trial because of Jesus
Christ, the living hope within them - their risen Savior and Lord (1
Pet. 1:3). Jesus protected them by the power of God (v. 5).
So long as we have Jesus, no situation is hopeless.
Would you like to enjoy an eternal hope? Then focus your heart
on Jesus (1 Tim. 4:6). Remember, He is working to bring His will
and good pleasure to the forefront of your life.
Even if you find yourself in a seemingly hopeless situation,
know that God has an entirely different view of the details. If you
will let Him, He will take your life, no matter how bruised and
broken, and make something beautiful out of it.
Isn't this what hope is all about - beauty for ashes, gladness
instead of sorrow, and a coat of praise instead of fainting (Is.
61:1-3)? This is the ongoing ministry of Jesus Christ in your life.
Therefore bring to Him your afflictions and disappointments. Tell Him your
sorrows, and He will restore your hope. [Life Principles SB By Charles
Stanley re 1Pe. 1:6, 7]
Crushed, devastated, demoralized, beaten down--these and other
feelings of despondency wash over all who suffer, threatening to drown
all feelings of hope. Suffering has many sources: social, physical,
economic, even persecution for your spiritual beliefs. Sometimes the
suffering becomes so great that you are tempted to give in and give up
hope.
Peter had been threatened, beaten, jailed, had seen fellow
Christians killed for their faith, and eventually he would become a martyr
for Christ. But he knew Jesus Christ, and nothing would shake his
faith in the risen Lord.
Do you need courage? As a believer, you have the living hope
of eternal life. God has provided an everlasting inheritance for
you that will never change nor decay. Although trials are not
pleasant, they teach patience, strengthen your faith, and allow you to
grow to be the kind of person God wants. But no matter what pain or
suffering you face in this life, you know that this is not your final
experience. God will help you remain true to him, and you will live an
everlasting life free from trials. This is your promise for a living hope as
a child of God. [The One Year Bible for New Believers re 1Pe.
1:3-7]
These verses in 1 Peter are a prayer of thanksgiving to God
for the marvelous gift of new birth we believers have because of the
resurrection of Jesus Christ. Not only do we have our new lives on earth to
be grateful for, but we are born again to a living, eternal hope.
God's nature transforms our natures on the earth and gives us purpose,
meaning, and hope not only for this life but for the one to come. We have
a "wonderful expectation" of our future in heaven and a priceless
inheritance because we are his children and heirs. This inheritance isn't
like those we receive on earth. God watches over it, and it is
"beyond the reach of change or decay." Take time to meditate on the
Lord's boundless mercy and the priceless inheritance he has reserved
for you, all because Christ rose from the dead. Ask him to increase
your expectation that the best is yet to be.
Dear Father, I praise you for the hope, expectation, and
inheritance you have provided by the resurrection of your Son, our Savior. I
praise you for the boundless mercy that gave me the privilege of being
born again to a living hope. Thank you for giving me life with a
wonderful expectation because you have reserved a priceless inheritance
for me and for all your children. [Praying Through The Bible By
Fuller re 1Pe. 1:3, 4]
Some years ago a sociologist accompanied a group of mountain
climbers on an expedition. Among other things, he observed a distinct
correlation between cloud cover and contentment. When there was no cloud
cover and the peak was in view, the climbers were energetic and
cooperative. When the gray clouds eclipsed the view of the mountaintop,
though, the climbers were sullen and selfish.
The same thing happens to us. As long as our eyes are on God's
majesty there is a bounce in our step. But let our eyes focus on the
dirt beneath us and we will grumble about every rock and crevice we
have to cross. For this reason Paul urged, "Since you were raised
from the dead with Christ, aim at what is in heaven, where Christ is
sitting at the right hand of God. Think only about the things in heaven,
not the things on earth." (Colossians 3:1-2). [Grace For The Moment
SB By Max Lucado re 1Pe. 1:8]
Because we do not have a dead Savior, we have a living hope. The
resurrection of Jesus guarantees that God will honor all His promises to His
faithful children. That hope keeps us going in the darkest of times.
[Life Principles SB By Charles Stanley re 1Pe. 1:3]
A Christian life devoid of joy is not only unbiblical, it's not
much worth having. How could we not have joy in our hearts when we
know that God loves us, is with us, promises to help us, and wants to
bless us forever. [Life Principles SB By Charles Stanley 1Pe. 1:8]
It's In The Valleys I Grow
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5dmvq0wj2a
What The Lord Has Done
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i4H6Uv7BI7I
We Have A Destination
http://lluc.org/site/1/podcast/911-14csermon_1-2.mp3
