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Consider This: Something to Hold On To

 

 


 

If you have never stopped to see the Swinging Bridge in Souris, Manitoba, you should add it to your list of things to do. I like it. Others do not. It feels wobbly. It bounces up and down. I have seen people in the middle of the bridge holding on and screaming because it feels too unstable. Of course, there is nothing to fear. The bridge has huge anchors at each end and is secured by steel cables, but sometimes, our feelings make us forget the facts.

Peter knows that his readers are about to face some scary situations. He does not want their feelings to obscure everything else, so he outlines three truths they need to remember.

First, their hope is greater than their troubles. “For a little while, you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith – of greater worth than gold… may be proved genuine and result in praise, glory and honour when Jesus Christ is revealed” (1 Peter 1:6-7). Notice the little-to-big thought pattern. A little bit of trouble now pays off in a great reward at the end of time. Paul echoes this when he writes, “Our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all” (2 Corinthians 4:17).

Second, their faith is greater than their sight. We like to think we know what is going on. That is not true! God is at work in ways we do not yet see or understand. Faith is a powerful force. “Though you have not seen him (Jesus), you love him; and though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy” (verse 8 ).  The goal is to “Walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7).

Lastly, their joy is greater than their circumstances. He recalls their rejoicing (verse 6), then states that they have an “inexpressible and glorious joy” because they are saved (verses 8-9). This joy is not based on circumstances. Happiness is about what is happening. Joy can exist even in difficult circumstances.

Life can feel wobbly.

Thankfully, we are anchored in God’s love and care.

“Do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you!” (Hebrews 10:35, NLT)

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