Living Hope Day 19

Living Hope Day 19 Reading:

1 Peter 5:8-11

Ponder

I live in another state from most of my family, so spending time with them usually means spending four or five hours in the car. I have to cross through two or three states to get there, depending on the route I take, and every route includes long stretches of interstates and fields. 

To take my mind off the monotony, I often listen to music, podcasts or an audiobook. And, there’ve been a few times during those long drives that I’ve wondered, “What exit did I just pass? Where in Kentucky am I?” 

Like during a long drive, it’s easy to lose focus sometimes as we’re struggling through the daily circumstances of our lives. We can get so focused on the situations we’re facing right now that we lose sight of the bigger picture. Sometimes, we need a wake-up call or a heads-up, and that’s what Peter offered his readers in verse 8 of his letter. 

Let this be your wake-up call today, as we consider a few truths from these verses: 

• You have an enemy, and he wants to devour you. Satan is real, and his desire is not simply to trip you up or tempt you. He wants to destroy your faith. Peter’s original audience was facing persecution, and as a result, they may have felt alone, weak, helpless or forgotten—and often, those are the times the devil likes to strike believers. Be aware of your tendencies, especially when you are weighed down, suffering or feel alone or helpless, and stand firm against the enemy’s advances. He wants to destroy faith and your witness but you don’t have to become his prey. 

• You’re not alone in your suffering. Satan is our adversary, and he’s a liar. One of the things he loves most is sowing seeds of distrust, especially when it comes to what we think about God and his character. “Is he really good?” the devil will ask. “Does he actually have your best interest at heart?” When we’re in the middle of season of suffering, the question can become even more pointed: “Has he abandoned you?” The answer is no. God is faithful to his promises, and he has promised to never leave us or forsake us. And, as Peter encouraged his original readers, we can also trust the testimony of other believers who have also suffered and found God faithful. 

• This season won’t last forever. A devastating diagnosis. A rebellious child. The loss of a dream, a job or even a home or lifestyle you loved. The end of a marriage. In the middle of the circumstances, it can seem like the pain will never end. During a season of suffering, it can feel like it will go on forever, and nothing will ever change. But once again, Peter invites us to lift our eyes. Suffering in this world is guaranteed. And while it may appear endless, it’s only a momentary affliction in light of the glory of eternity with Christ. 

Whatever suffering you are facing today, lift your eyes. Focus on the truth of eternity. You’re not alone in this, and you never will be. Even though it doesn’t feel like it right now, choose to trust that this pain will pale in comparison to the joy you’ll experience in the presence of God for all eternity. 

Journal

• Think about times in your life when you’ve believed the devil’s lies. Do you notice any commonalities among those experiences? Were you physically, mentally or emotionally tired? Did you feel alone or forgotten? Be aware of the circumstances that make it easier for Satan to attack and stand firm in your faith! 

• What are you currently facing that feels like it will never end? How can you choose to lift your eyes to the glory of eternity with Jesus? 

• Who around you is suffering? How can you be an ambassador for the faith, reminding them that they’re not alone and don’t have to bear the burden on their own?