Read: 1 Peter 1:1-9
He has caused us to be born again to a living hope. (v. 3)
In his 1986 memoir, Adrift: 76 Days Lost at Sea, Steven Callahan recounts his desperate journey in a small inflatable life raft in the Atlantic Ocean. With little water and food, Callahan barely survived; he struggled daily with waves, weather, and even the creatures of the deep. What struck me as I read the book was the author’s strong spirit that refused to give way to despair. Overall, Callahan’s hope that he would eventually be rescued kept him going until he was found.
Hope is a strong motivating force. The apostle Peter knew this as he wrote to persecuted believers in his first letter. He reminded them (and us!) of the living hope we have because Jesus rose from the dead. We also have hope in an inheritance that’s being kept in heaven for us. Likewise, we have hope because God’s power is protecting us until his salvation is revealed. Our hope will result in praise and glory and honor and, ultimately, in the salvation of our souls. Because we have hope, we can persevere through our suffering on earth for “a little while” (v. 6), as our faith is tested and refined. One day, this suffering will end. Our hope will lead us to inexpressible joy and glory with Christ for all eternity.
Everything in this world is eventually passing away, but our hope is living, eternal, and as certain as the word of God. Let that hope motivate you today to live for him. —Laura N. Sweet
As you pray, praise God for your living hope in Christ.
About the Author
Laura N. Sweet is a wife, mother, grandmother, and former Christian schoolteacher from Midland, Michigan. She writes devotional material for both adults and children, and her work has appeared in more than a dozen publications.
