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FACING FEAR AND DIFFICULTIES WITH FAITH

Peter understood fear. When he wrote today’s passage of Scripture, it had been about thirty years since Jesus had been crucified. Crucifixion is a fearful, excruciating, and humiliating way to die. It’s something that would’ve been impossible to forget, especially if you witnessed one while fearing for your own life.

The night that Jesus was arrested, Peter’s fear drove him to lengths he would’ve never imagined. He denied that he even knew Jesus. Peter undoubtedly remembered the look Jesus gave him when the rooster crowed, too. He wept so bitterly. How could he forget? And then Jesus was dead and darkness covered Jerusalem. Peter had probably never felt so afraid. He’d denied his rabbi and forsaken his faith. Fear had turned him into a traitor.

The book of First Peter is a letter to people filled with fear. Peter, older then and reinstated by Jesus, wrote to Christians facing the same fear of persecution that he had faced. God gives Christians a dream that is imbued with purpose. Love God and love others! Forgive! Make disciples! (Matt. 22:37-40; 18:21-22; 28:19-20) Meanwhile, the enemy seeks to kill and destroy. (Jo. 10:10) Could there be a greater difficulty for a Christian than persecution?

So, what insight could Peter’s experience with fear offer? He told the fearful Christians, “In all this you greatly rejoice… These [difficulties] have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed” (vv. 6-7). Peter says rejoice!

God is sovereign over the difficulties you’re facing. As we saw in yesterday’s reading, it’s okay to lament and ask God “how long?” and “why?” and “where are you?” Yet even in the difficulties, even in trials as severe as persecution, you can also turn to God in praise. The difficulties you face will test your faith, but they will also refine you. You will come out on the other side more dependent upon God, more rooted in faith.

You have been given a “new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (v.3). It is by hope in Jesus that you’ll make it through your present trials. It is by hope in Jesus that you can rejoice and praise God amid challenges. And like Peter, it is through Jesus Christ that you can overcome fear. Praise him! Praise the Lord!

Reflection

Think of a trial you’re facing now. How might this trial refine you for God’s purposes?

How does the notion that “God is sovereign over the difficulties you’re facing” affect your faith?

Reflect on how suffering lasts for “a little while” (v.6). How has this been true in your life?

Prayer

Dear God, I’m struggling with this difficulty: [name a difficulty you’re facing]. God, I know that this challenge isn’t your dream for my life. Lord, like Peter, I’m afraid of what might happen. I put my hope in Jesus, the living, resurrected savior. I praise you, Lord! And I trust in your sovereignty. Amen.