Triumph Over Trials - 1 and 2 PeterЗагвар

Week 1 - Our Living Hope In A Strange Land

Read: 1 Peter 1:1-5

SOAP: 1 Peter 1:3-4

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he gave us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, that is, into an inheritance imperishable, undefiled, and unfading. It is reserved in heaven for you.

Into the Text

No matter what we face today, whether the trials that weigh our hearts down like anchors to the ocean floor, or mountains of worry that seem unmovable despite our perseverance in faith, we cannot forget what we have because of Jesus Christ. Because of Christ, we have been given a new birth into a living hope...a hope that never fades or ends but gets brighter and brighter with each passing day.

When we accept Jesus as our Savior, our identity is transformed (2 Corinthians 5:17), and our hope no longer rests in the shifting sands of this world. Instead, our confidence comes from what God has done for us through Jesus Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. God, in His incredible love, grants us the privilege to be His daughters and co-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17). What an incredible inheritance we have to look forward to! As we walk through this life, it’s important to remember that this world is not our home. We are like strangers in a strange land.

This truth is not just comforting; it is empowering. God, in his unfailing grace and through the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, has given us - and will daily continue to give us - the strength to remain true to our faith, no matter what storms, trials, or persecutions may come our way. We know God doesn’t promise a life devoid of troubles, but He does assure us of His help to persevere through them. We are anchored, not by our strength, but by His love.

So, sweet friend, when the pressures of life weigh heavy on your shoulders, lift up your eyes and look to Christ. Remember the living hope we have in Him. As the world continues to swirl around us, remember our future is secure and imperishable, no matter what comes our way. As we continue to navigate the challenges of today, let’s hold fast to this living hope. Remember, we are just travelers, moving through this world toward our eternal home (Philippians 3:20). Let the hope of being forever with Jesus in heaven fuel our endurance as we wait for His glorious return.

Prayer

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for the living hope we have because of You. Help us to fix our eyes on the eternal inheritance we have with You. Please empower us to walk faithfully and boldly as strangers in this strange land as we eagerly await the day we are united with You in our forever home. Amen.