This is an actual letter from a father to his adult son during one of the most difficult times of his life. Hear the father's heart, and know that if you're hurting or need some encouragement, this letter is also for you. God's "father's heart" of love is reaching out to you today. Be blessed.My Son,
Just want you to know I am praying for you and that you are truly loved. Not just by your family, but, more importantly by your Heavenly Father. The Lord wants your attention to be on Him and the hope that He makes available to each of us. He tells us in Peters letter:
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." 1 Peter 1:3
We see here Peter's obvious emphasis on Christianity being a faith based on birth into a living hope. But, he didn't stop there. Hope in what? Next verse:
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." 1 Peter 1:3
We see here Peter's obvious emphasis on Christianity being a faith based on birth into a living hope. But, he didn't stop there. Hope in what? Next verse:
"And into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade, kept in heaven for you." 1 Peter 1:4
Did you get that? He said that our hope is for an inheritance, not on this earth, but kept in heaven for YOU.
In his summary of our faith Peter undermined all that we hold dear and try to cherish on earth, and pointed to everything we can't yet taste, touch or see - heaven (how disappointing, in an age when we want, we need, we demand everything now). But we do have something now, new birth, salvation, His peace, and a living hope.
"You, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time." 1 Peter 1:5
In his summary of our faith Peter undermined all that we hold dear and try to cherish on earth, and pointed to everything we can't yet taste, touch or see - heaven (how disappointing, in an age when we want, we need, we demand everything now). But we do have something now, new birth, salvation, His peace, and a living hope.
"You, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time." 1 Peter 1:5
Peter is saying that we are saved, but that salvation won't be totally revealed until we go home to be with the Lord. In the mean time, we have great power through faith to sustain and protect us, but the goal is eternal life, not the fading pleasure of this life. There's more:
"In this salvation you greatly rejoice (as well you should), though now 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, which perishes even though refined by fire, may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed." 1 Peter 1:6-7
"In this salvation you greatly rejoice (as well you should), though now 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, which perishes even though refined by fire, may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed." 1 Peter 1:6-7
Not only are the gifts of this world subject to spoiling and the pleasures to fading, but Peter is saying that we can expect grief and trials here. But not to worry, because it will all be worth it later, when Jesus Christ, our salvation, is revealed.
Christianity's foundation rests on a living hope that fills us with an inexpressible joy for that which is to come. Without this hope, our faith will fail; we won't have the power to withstand our trials.
Christianity's foundation rests on a living hope that fills us with an inexpressible joy for that which is to come. Without this hope, our faith will fail; we won't have the power to withstand our trials.
"We rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us." Romans 5:2-5 Jesus is our hope and He will never fail you.
"I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints." Ephesians 1:18
We rejoice in what? HOPE. Not hope in an easy road paved wide by the good news that Christ came to set us free from difficulties, but the hope of glory. An eager expectation of that which will be unveiled, In fact, he set an agenda for hardships by stating that although this world will bring us suffering, it's okay, because that suffering leads us back to the grand prize. Hope. And hope will not disappoint. There can be no mistake, Christ has called us to hope in a very rich glorious bliss, and this is our inheritance.
"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." Romans 12:12
"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful." Hebrews 10:23 Yes He is, Amen!!
So son, keep your eyes focused on Him, recognize your trials for what they are, try to rejoice and accept them, as difficult as they may be, and allow them to mature you. Always remember, you are not alone, we are here to hold you up, and let the Lord be your strength.
"I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints." Ephesians 1:18
We rejoice in what? HOPE. Not hope in an easy road paved wide by the good news that Christ came to set us free from difficulties, but the hope of glory. An eager expectation of that which will be unveiled, In fact, he set an agenda for hardships by stating that although this world will bring us suffering, it's okay, because that suffering leads us back to the grand prize. Hope. And hope will not disappoint. There can be no mistake, Christ has called us to hope in a very rich glorious bliss, and this is our inheritance.
"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." Romans 12:12
"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful." Hebrews 10:23 Yes He is, Amen!!
So son, keep your eyes focused on Him, recognize your trials for what they are, try to rejoice and accept them, as difficult as they may be, and allow them to mature you. Always remember, you are not alone, we are here to hold you up, and let the Lord be your strength.
With The Love of a Father
Dad
I hope and pray the Lord will bless you as you go through the trials of this life. Set your eyes, not on your circumstances, but on our "blessed hope" which is eternal life in heaven. If you would like some additional words of encouragement check out my blog from Feb. 24th, entitled "The Valley of Brokenness".
God Bless and Press On
Larry
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