Scripture:
1 Peter 1:22–25 ESV “1:22 ¶ Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart,
1:23 since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God;
1:24 for “All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls,
1:25 but the word of the Lord remains forever.””
Devotion: How do I handle times of great trials?
Peter is addressing Christians who were forced to flee their homes because of the great persecution they were facing. Imagine having to leave your home and move to an unfamiliar place because you are being persecuted for your faith in Jesus Christ. The difficulties can weigh heavily on one’s heart and life, taking a great toil. Discouragement and doubt can creep into one’s heart during these times.
Peter encourages the Christians to remember these truths which will be a foundation for your life.
1. During difficult times, do not forget to love one another sincerely.
How much we need one another when we are going through great difficulties! We need their love and care. We need their encouragement. We need one another, to love one another with a earnest, sincere love. When we truly listen to the Lord and obey His command to love one another.
Love helps all. Love encourages all. Love heals all.
John 13:34–35 ESV “13:34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.
13:35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.””
Romans 12:9 ESV “¶ Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.”
2. During difficult times, do not forget you are born again by the precious blood of Jesus and the living Word of God.
1 Peter 1:19, 23 ESV “1:19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.
1:23 since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God;”
We are saved by the grace of the Lord! We are saved by the precious blood of Jesus, which was shed on Calvary’s cross for you and me. We are saved by the living Word of God, where the seed is planted in our lives. The Word grows and grows in faith in our lives.
Remember what Christ did for you!
3. Do not forget life is short so focus on eternal things, not temporal.
Colossians 3:1–2 ESV “3:1 ¶ If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
3:2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”
Life is short. Before we realize it, we have grown old. We spend so much time on things that do not last. We focus on the temporary, worldly things that vanish away. Houses come and go. Possessions come and go. Jobs come and go. What we think will last soon fades away.
Keep your eyes on Christ and eternity and it will help you get through times of great difficulties.
Three lessons:
- Love one another.
- Remember the blood of Christ.
- Focus on eternal things.
