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Living with Full Faith
1 Peter 1:3-9
Today’s Insights
The reality of suffering experienced by believers in Jesus is highlighted by Peter and others in the New Testament. By faith, believers embrace “an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade” (1 Peter 1:4) but they’re also faced with “all kinds of trials” (v. 6). The Greek word translated “trials” speaks of adverse circumstances, afflictions, or troubles. The word is likewise used in James 1:2: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds.” Paul’s unforgettable words in Romans 8 are similar: “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us” (v. 18). Our weary souls can continue to find joy and hope in our salvation in Jesus as we’re encouraged by 2 Corinthians 4:16-17: “Therefore we do not lose heart. . . . For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”
Today’s Devotional
Thousands of people around the world prayed for Sethie’s three-year-old son, who’d been hospitalized for months. When doctors said Shiloh had “no meaningful brain activity,” Sethie called me. “Sometimes, I’m scared I’m not living with full faith,” she said. “I know God can heal Shiloh and let him come home with us. I’m also at peace if God heals him by taking him to heaven.” Assuring her that God understands like no one else can, I said, “You’ve surrendered to God. That is full faith!” A few days later, God took her precious son to heaven. Though struggling with the grief of losing him, Sethie thanked God and the many people who prayed. She said, “I believe God is still good and still God.”
In this world, until Jesus comes again, we’ll “suffer grief in all kinds of trials” (1 Peter 1:6). We’ll need to process real emotions caused by real pain. However, everyone who experiences “new birth” in Christ (v. 3) can be anchored in life by love for Jesus and be “filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy” (v. 8). The end result of our faith in Christ is this: “the salvation of [our] souls” (v. 9).
The Holy Spirit empowers us to have full faith—living with our prayers and our situations confidently surrendered to Christ.
Reflect & Pray
When has God helped you rejoice in the hope of salvation in Jesus while facing devastating circumstances? How has your confidence in Him changed the way you pray?
Dear Jesus, please help me trust You as I wait for Your promised return when You’ll make all things new.
