1 Peter: Is All of This Worth It?预览

Facing something unknown is really scary. Often our reaction is one of fear and anxiety. We might feel butterflies in our stomachs, or maybe have sweaty palms or experience sleepless nights. When we begin to feel those things, Jesus offers us another way. 

There are several things Peter is reminding the church about in this passage. When we submit ourselves to God, when we walk in His ways and not our own, we can trust Him to get us through whatever might come. Peter also reminds the church that at the end of all the pain and suffering, God will exalt them. God’s plan is for much more than the earthly troubles we endure. His plan ultimately ends in restoration and redemption for all of humanity. Our job while we wait for that is to put our trust in Him and follow Him.

During the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands in the 1940s, a Christian woman named Corrie Ten Boom risked her life to hide and protect Jews. Ultimately, Corrie was arrested and sent to a concentration camp for her crimes against the government. She suffered greatly. Corrie is later quoted as saying, “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.” It’s hard to even begin to imagine what she lived through. It’s clear though that she believed in whatever she was to face, God would be there with her. 

We can live with that same confidence. We can turn our anxieties into an unshakable faith in a known God.

ASK: 

-How does knowing Jesus allow us to give Him our fears and worries?

-What do you need to do in your own life so that the next time you face something scary and unknown, you turn first to Jesus?

TAKE A NEXT STEP:

Look up the hymn, “Turn your eyes upon Jesus” and take a minute to listen and reflect on the lyrics. As you listen to the song picture yourself literally turning toward Jesus. Picture yourself running into the safety of His arms!

Turn your eyes upon Jesus

Look full, in his wonderful face

And the things of earth will grow strangely dim

In the light of his glory and grace