How can you resist giving up and losing hope when you are struggling?
by VANESSA WHITE
What is 1 Peter about?
Peter is the author of this epistle; letter, it was written from Rome to believers scattered throughout Asia Minor aka modern Turkey. These wonderful letters are about God’s grace, encouragement during suffering; suffering under persecution, comforts people in persecution and how to live in a hostile world. This epistle teaches us how to live as a Christian in a world that is increasingly opposing believers and biblical truth. How we can respond to unjust criticism and ridicule. It teaches how to live a holy life when others persecute us.
+ We must count on God’s grace.
+ We must pray for God’s grace
+ We persevere with the strength of the LORD.
Trials and suffering are temporary, short-lived, it’s varied, it may result in praise, honor, and glory. Trials and afflictions are not without purpose, there is purpose behind the suffering of life. 1 Peter 1:7 These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So, when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.
His Words are life for our weary souls. He is the One who upholds the universe by the word of His power. Hebrews 1:3
It’s the divine providence of God. He is in control and nothing is missed by Him. He cares for us. We have victory because of Christ Jesus. The Lord triumphs over anything that enemy brings our way. We may get knocked down but we are not defeated. Romans 8:28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. There is victory even in our trials and sufferings because no matter what we face we have a glorious future to look forward to. God equips us to live a life of godliness by the power of the Holy Spirit. I can’t say it enough, Christ is worth it all, He comforts us in the pain and in the sorrows of life. We all make mistakes; we all fall short and I am so thankful we can ask the LORD for forgiveness. I am so thankful for the LORD’S sweet mercy and grace. The awesome thing is He understands our sorrows, our humanity and we can ask Him for help, we can cry out to Him, we can rest in His grace and His peace that only He can give.
Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:13-16
LORD, help us to have hearts of forgiveness, mercy and grace. Help us to brace ourselves, to prepare mentally for action, help us to run the race with strength, please help us to focus on You and live in a Christ-like manner. Help us to live our lives with self-control and discipline. Thank You LORD for all that You are and who You are, We love You and we give you all the glory. In Jesus Holy Mighty Name, Amen.