“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to … an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded …” 1 Peter 1:3-5
Do you ever become discouraged? Do you ever wonder if your faith is strong enough to overcome all the obstacles that you encounter in this life? Perhaps you are facing severe trials presently, and wonder if you have the strength to go on for very much longer. Or perhaps you have heard stories of Christians in other countries being beheaded for their faith in Jesus Christ, or having to watch their loved ones die for their faith, and you doubt whether your faith is strong enough to carry you through such horrific circumstances. You look within and you find such weakness and ample cause for hopelessness!
But the Lord comes to us through the apostle Peter this morning and reminds us that salvation is of the Lord – from start to finish! It is He that has caused you to be born again! And it is He that is keeping an imperishable, undefiled and unfading inheritance for you in Heaven! And if there is still doubt in your minds, Peter adds these words: “you, who by God’s power are being guarded”! It is He, the omnipotent God who rules heaven and earth, who is guarding you by His almighty power this morning! God is preserving that inheritance for you – and God is preserving you for that inheritance!
In summary, our faith is not strong enough! We are weak and prone to wander. But our hope is not in ourselves! Our hope rests in our all-powerful, faithful God! We may experience hopelessness when we look within, but there is great reason for sure and certain hope when we look to the God who saves! May God enable us to join Peter in bursting forth in glorious praise: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!”
When I fear my faith will fail, Christ will hold me fast.
When the tempter would prevail, He will hold me fast.
I could never keep my hold through life’s fearful path;
For my love is often cold; He must hold me fast!