Endurance Through Trials

It is without a shadow of a doubt that the recent months and weeks have brought various kinds of trials: economical, physical, and spiritual. And, it is also true that many of us forget to tap into the storehouse of God's comfort found abundantly in His Word. We can become so boggled down with life's aches and pains that our eyes are taken off of Christ and we look horizontally on the earth for solutions and relief. And in addition, we forget the Fatherly hand behind it all.

In Peter's first epistle, endurance through trials is a dominant theme. It is addressed to those who have been scattered abroad to different regions, living in exile because of persecution. But we see right away from the second verse onward comforting words from someone who knew trials personally: Peter's faith was tested when he walked on water (Matt. 14:22-33), he defended the Gospel before the Sanhedrin and was threatened (Acts 4:1-31), and was imprisoned twice (Acts 5:17-42;12:1-19). And what we find in 1 Peter is a disciple of Christ sending comfort from which the comfort he himself received during hardship (2 Cor. 1:3-7). I would like to show just three things Peter mentions to comfort these believers.

In verse 2, Peter introduces the Trinity at work: God the Father foreknew these elect exiles, the Holy Spirit has sanctified them, and Jesus Christ sprinkled his blood for their obedience to him. We can endure any trial because the Godhead three-in-one is active in our life.

Secondly, in verses 3-5 Peter reminds the believers that they have been born of God "to a living hope;" Christ was raised from the dead, and so their dead hearts are now alive because of God's mercy. Their new birth in Christ is secure because "by God's power [they] are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time." And so our rebirth gives us the assurance of God's guardianship from salvation to future glory.

Thirdly, in verse 4 Peter teaches them about a promised inheritance they will receive that awaits them in heaven. In biblical times, it was important for the inheritance to be passed down from father to his children; Peter says that our Father has for us "an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven..." This inheritance is a sure reward and will never go away, unlike earthly possessions. As adopted sons, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, we have a priceless inheritance--we get God, and an eternity with Him.

I've only scratched the surface; Peter goes on with numerous theological points and exhortations, I encourage you to read into it. And I pray that having read this you have been encouraged. So in conclusion, remember that God is at work and is ever present with His children: you were foreknown before the foundation of the world, Christ paid for your sins on the cross, the Holy Spirit has given you new birth, and an inheritance awaits you.

Standing in grace,
T-rav