Read 1 Peter 1:3-8
Discover
1. What attributes and actions of God do you see in verses 3-5?
2. According to verses 6-7, what is the purpose of trials?
3. What aspects of trust do you see in verse 8?
Respond
In his letter to displaced Christians, Peter reminds them that their hope is in Jesus. Verses 6-8 provide a roadmap with multiple things existing in tension – gladness and endurance, joy and trials, not seeing God but trusting God.
When uncertainty comes, we have two choices: fear or faith. Fear blinds us to the future. Faith sees the future as an opportunity. Fear plays it safe. Faith risks enough where God has to come through. Fear says, “I’m scared and don’t know what to do.” Faith says, “I’m scared and don’t know what to do, but I know the One who does.” Because of what God has done in the past and promises in the future, we have hope. Trials are an opportunity for our trust and joy to grow.
Is there a situation where you’re allowing fear to dominate your thoughts? Maybe an unknown or a trial affecting you or people you care about? Pray about it now. Read the fear vs. faith statements again, and ask God to help you approach today with the lens of faith.
Want to go deeper? Read Psalm 66:1-12 for an Old Testament example of letting trials increase your trust and joy. Where do you see reasons to fear mentioned in this Psalm? How do you see faith being chosen over fear?