Day 21: Hope For The Future
1 Peter 1:3-5 (NIV) 3 “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time “
DEVOTIONAL:
In our journey of faith, there are moments when the weight of the world seems unbearable. Challenges mount, and the horizon ahead looks daunting. It is in these times that the profound words of 1 Peter 1:3-5 shine as a beacon of hope, reminding us of the unshakeable promise held within our faith. As we delve into these verses, let's uncover the essence of this living hope and how it shapes our outlook towards the future.
1 Peter 1:3-5 is not just a passage; it's a proclamation of a transformative truth. It speaks of a 'new birth into a living hope', a hope that stems from the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This isn't a fleeting or perishable hope; it's an inheritance that is eternal, unfading, and kept in heaven for us. As believers, our faith in Christ connects us to this promise, assuring us that no matter what life throws our way, our ultimate future is secure and glorious.
The resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of our faith. It's not merely an event in history; it's the turning point for all humanity. Through His resurrection, Christ has conquered death, granting us a glimpse of the eternal life that awaits us. This resurrection life is not just a distant future promise; it influences how we live today. It infuses us with the strength to face trials and tribulations, knowing that they are temporary compared to the eternal joy that awaits us.
Understanding our future inheritance should transform how we live in the present. We are called to live lives of holiness, reflecting the character of Christ in our daily actions. Challenges and uncertainties are inevitable, but they don't define our existence. Our eyes are fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who sustains us and gives us strength. This hope for the future empowers us to live courageously and selflessly, serving others and spreading the love of Christ.
Hope in Times of Trial
Life can be challenging, and at times, the path forward may seem unclear. In these moments, our scripture reminds us that we are 'shielded by God’s power'. This doesn't imply that we will be free from hardship, but it assures us that in the midst of our struggles, God is with us, protecting and guiding us. Our hope in Christ is not a passive waiting but an active engagement with the world, armed with the strength and peace that comes from our faith.
Prayer:
Father in heaven, thank You for the hope that we have in our Lord Jesus Christ, a hope of eternal glory, where we shall be with Him forever and ever. Though we go through challenging and difficult times in this world, we are not without hope. Our eyes are on the Lord, who sustains us and gives us hope for the future. Amen.
ACTION STEP:
Identify one area in your life where you are facing challenges or uncertainty. Spend some time to pray and bring those situations before God.