Peter is one of my favorite chapters in the Bible, time and again when I ask God what do I need to hear today he brings me to Peter, there are so many lessons we can learn from Peter. There are times I can actually picture Jesus and Peter in conversation together and it warms my heart.
Today I am working in 1 Peter 1:6-7 because Peter is talking about how we will have to face trials and even though we face trials we should rejoice. In the midst of facing a trial one of the last things you want to do is rejoice, however God tells us to, and as we are to be obedient to our Father above that is what we should do. I have a study bible and love it because it helps a lot with explanations that sometimes I wouldn't get otherwise.
Peter mentions trials and suffering multiple times in this part of his letter. Reality is we will all face them during our refining process that burns away impurities that is preparing us to meet Christ. It makes our faith purer and stronger so that we can be more useful to God and serve him the way he wants us to.
Instead of asking Why me? we should react with a new set of responses. 1. Confidence that God knows, plans and directs our lives for our good and leads us toward a better future always. 2. Perserverance when facing grief, anger, sorrow and pain, we can express them all but don't give in to bitterness and despair. 3. Courage because with Jesus as our Savior we need not be afraid, he carries us through everything.
REFLECTION: When you are going through a trial what do you do? Do you have a pity party and think oh poor me, it's not fair, why me, it's always me? Or do you get to work, by trusting God, having faith, praying hard and digging deeper into the word to find the lesson you are to learn?
PRAYER: Father when I am in distress have mercy on me and hear my prayer, Give me strength and courage to carry on to do your will, with you by my side I know I can do anything. Hear my voice in accordance with Your love Lord, show me the right path to continue to follow Lord, point out the road you want me on. Lead my be Your truth and teach me for You are the God who saves me and I am forever grateful for Your peace and grace every day. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
ACTION: Seek fellowship with other believers, pray and stay in God's word, it will keep you encouraged and strong as you go through your trials.
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