Day Eleven: 1st Peter

Today I was in 1st Peter. First, it was nice to read a book that had more than 1 chapter, but less than 50. The set up I’m using for this challenge is very intentional. It is designed to get the bigger books completed early, and then slowly as I read the bigger books get smaller and the tiny books get a little bigger.

The purpose of this book is neatly summed up in Peter’s closing statement of the book:

“My purpose in writing is to encourage you and assure you that what you are experiencing is truly part of God’s grace for you. Stand firm in this grace.” – 1 Peter 5:12b

Ok. So what are they experiencing? If you look at the previous chapters you see Peter calling the people remember 2 things.

First, remember we are called to be a holy people, set apart. Peter encourages his readers to set aside worldly desires because as children of God we are only “temporary residents” of this world. We have a bigger purpose and our lives should show that. He encourages people in all areas of life- slaves, wives, husbands, elders of the church- to remember that the people watching could be brought to Christ by their godly example.

Second, he reminds them that suffering is going to happen and to bear it well. This is something that we don’t like to talk about as Christians. But suffering should be a part of our walk with Christ! 1 Peter 4:12-13 says:

“Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead be very glad– for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.”

Ultimately, suffering is a way to show others our faith. Do we still desire to follow God when it costs us friends, respect or comfort? When it hurts are we still able to say, “Praise God!” or are we more prone to blame him for our troubles?

I know we always ask God, “Why is this happening?”- and what we really mean is “Why did you let this happen?”. What if we actually meant it when we asked the first question?

“God, why is the happening? What do I need to learn from this experience? How are you using this to grow my faith?” If we asked it in this manner, how would our lives change I wonder?

Tomorrow we will delve into 2nd Peter! See you then!

In Christ,

Karen