The Daily Fountain Daily Devotional of the Church Of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) 20 March 2019 – Joy in Trials

TOPIC: Joy in Trials

READ: 1 Peter 1:1-12 King James Version (KJV)

1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,

2 Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,

5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:

7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:

9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.

10 Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you:

11 Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.

12 Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.

THE MESSAGE:

Apostle Peter writing to the early Christians, who were scattered throughout the world because of persecution, addressed them as pilgrims and God’s elect. By implication, Christians have been chosen by God, are strangers in this world and are on a journey to heaven. In verses 3-4, Peter informed the believers about the benefits they have in Christ Jesus as a result of being born again. These include: a living hope which cannot disappoint them and an inheritance that is incorruptible and kept in heaven. Beloved, the plan of God for his people is wonderful; however it must be accessed by faith in Christ Jesus through a new life. Are you born again to be part of this inheritance?

Furthermore, a believer can only partake of this inheritance when he overcomes trials and temptations which may come to him. In this, Peter encourages all to be joyful when they face such situations. They are a means to proving the genuineness of our faith and leading us into our inheritance. Trials and sufferings are part of our faith; they are not meant to destroy but to refine us. When they come, we should not give in to bitterness and despair, rather we should persevere, believing that God is in control. Definitely we shall come out victorious.

Prayer: Lord, save all who are facing diverse trials and afflictions.

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