Living hope

This we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see. So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. 1 Peter 1:4-7

From the text, the apostle Peter was providing an encouragement to those who are going through difficulties in life. Our relationship with God provided us assurance that we have this living hope in Christ. This is what will keep us faithful in following Him and being obedient to His will. This hope is also what keeps us persevering through hard time because we are looking forward to our “priceless inheritance.” As Paul said, this hope was given to us when we came to know Christ as Lord and Savior (Romans 8:24). It is God who is protecting this great inheritance and it is “beyond the reach of change and decay.” Peter’s optimism was based upon the promise of God. Though it is something that we could look forward to in the future and to eternity but God wants us to experience the effect of it while still here on this earth. Believing this truth will help us endure when faith gets tested by trials. We know that God is here to watch over us not to shield us from pain and difficulty but to provide us the assurance that something better is in store for us. This is what James wrote about; “My brothers and sisters, consider it nothing but joy when you fall into all sorts of trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance” (James 1:2-3). Both Peter and James were used by God to minister to Christians scattered in Asia Minor because of persecution. It was a trying time. Part of the encouragements that Peter and James were telling these believers was that these trials were there to strengthen their faith. So when these trials are accepted as part of God’s plan to strengthen our faith, the desired result that God wants to produce in our lives will be realized. Trials are not given just to annoy or irritate us but to help us grow in patience and endurance. Your attitude and response to these various trials will determine if you believe and truly trust God. Your response also reflects your commitment and relationship with God. Trials here in this side of the earth is brief compared to the inheritance that awaits those who trust God with all their hearts.

Blessing,

Noel De Guzman

www.my-wbc.com