Good morning. Today is Thursday, April 30th!

🥳 Congratulations on starting today with God, and thank you for letting us be a part of it.

— 1 Peter 4:19

This is the first of two letters written by Peter, one of Jesus’ twelve disciples.

The book is called 1 Peter.

In 1 Peter 1:1, Peter says he’s writing to Christians scattered across regions in the Roman Empire. These believers are living in a culture that doesn’t follow Jesus, so they stand out, and because of that, they’re dealing with real pressure and suffering for their faith.

That’s the situation behind the letter.

Peter is writing to people whose faith is actually costing them something, and he’s answering this question: how do you live when following Jesus is hard?

He starts by reminding them what they have. In 1 Peter 1:3, they have a “living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” So even when life is hard, what they have in Christ is secure.

Then he explains what’s happening. In 1 Peter 1:7, their faith is being tested, “of greater worth than gold… even though refined by fire,” meaning their suffering is strengthening and proving their faith.

Then he tells them how to live. In 1 Peter 1:15, “be holy in all you do,” and in 1 Peter 2:12, “live such good lives” that others can see it.

Then he makes this clear. In 1 Peter 2:21, Christ “suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.” So doing what is right may lead to suffering, not away from it.

And Peter says that’s not strange. In 1 Peter 4:12, “do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal.”

Instead, he tells them what to do. In 1 Peter 4:19, “commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.”

And he ends with a promise. In 1 Peter 5:10, God will “restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.”

So Keep doing what is right, even when it leads to suffering, and trust God with it, knowing He will strengthen you through it.

When you’re not sure how to pray, A.C.T.S. gives you a simple path to follow: Adore, Confess, Thank, and Ask.

Adoration: God, You are faithful and strong.

Confession: I struggle to trust You when life is hard.

Thanksgiving: Thank You for strengthening my faith.

Supplication: Help me do what is right and trust You in hardship.

In Jesus name, Amen

“Tabernacle” by Andrew Ripp (ft. Josh Baldwin)

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See you tomorrow,

Zach | Start With God