1 Peter 5:10-14 Hope When The Trials Get Us Really Down

Peter has been telling us that fiery trials are coming.  For his contemporary readers, it could very well have meant being burned at the stake or fed to lions.  For us today, our trials may be much like someone who fights a congenital medical condition -- knowing that it will have to be faced for all of their life.  Drug addiction, alcohol addiction, and sex addiction, for example, may be seen merely as "current sins" that may or may not be the result of genetics, but may still cause even Christians to struggle not to fall again for the rest of their lives.  The temptation to give in just once more will always be there for them, and if they are to overcome it, they will need the power of God's grace.  That's why my commentary entitled this section "Be Hopeful" and it gives some excellent reminders to those whose fiery trials seem to last a lifetime:

"God knows what He is doing, and He is in complete control -- No matter how difficult the fiery trial may become, a Christian always has hope.  Peter gave several reasons."

"We have God's grace -- He called us before we called on Him ... We have tasted that the Lord is gracious, so we are not afraid of anything He purposes for us ... He gives us the grace that we need ... He has grace to help in every time of need."

"We know we are going to glory -- Whatever begins with God's grace will always lead to God's glory ... If we depend on God's grace when we suffer, that suffering will result in glory.  The road may be difficult, but it leads to glory, and that is all that really counts."

"Our present suffering is only for a little while -- Our various trials are only for a season, but the glory that results is eternal."

"We know that our trials are building Christian character -- God has several tools that He uses to equip His people for life and service, and suffering is one of them ... Our Savior in heaven is perfecting His children so that they will do his will and His work."

"When an unbeliever goes through suffering, he loses his hope; but for a believer, suffering only increases his hope ... God builds character and brightens hope when a believer trusts Him and depends on His grace.  The result is that God receives the glory forever and ever."

Father, remind me of this during my own fiery trials.  I know that You know what You are doing and that You are in complete control.  I trust You, God.  Remind me that despite the pain, Your reward will come.

 

Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford