Monday 31 August 2026
- Bible Book:
- 1 Peter
In this you rejoice, even if now for a little while you have had to suffer various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith – being more precious than gold that, though perishable, is tested by fire – may be found to result in praise and glory and honour when Jesus Christ is revealed. (vs 6-7)
Background
Peter is one of the apostles, and after Jesus' death and resurrection he wrote several letters to the early Christians.
Our passage today is a hymn of praise written to scattered believers, living as strangers or exiles, who are facing difficulties, reminding them that their identity and hope are found in God. He tells them that they have been chosen by God, given new life through Jesus, and are promised an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade.
Peter’s words are direct. He does not pretend suffering is easy. He acknowledges that believers may face 'various trials', but he reminds them that trials can test and strengthen genuine faith. Our circumstances may change, but the hope we have through Christ remains secure.
We may not always understand why we are going through difficult seasons. Yet God is at work even when we cannot see the whole picture. It can be easy to focus on our problems rather than seeking Jesus, but our faith is more precious than gold, and Jesus is worthy of our trust even when we cannot see him. When we reflect, we can each find so many examples of God’s faithfulness in our individual lives.
Peter encourages us to rejoice, not because life is always good, but because Jesus is good and our future with him is secure. Our salvation is something God has promised and is faithfully keeping for us and so we should choose joy and trust in God even when we don’t have all the answers.
To Ponder:
- What does 1 Peter 1:3–5 teach you about the hope you have in Christ?
- What trial or difficulty are you currently facing, and how might God be strengthening your faith through it?
- When circumstances are uncertain, what helps you remember that your hope is secure?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank you for the living hope you have given me. When life is difficult and my faith is tested, help me to remember that my future is secure in you. Strengthen my faith, help me to trust you when I cannot see what you are doing, and fill me with joy because of the salvation you have given me. Amen.
Bible notes author: Cara Macdonald
Cara lives with her husband and five children in Glasgow. She works for the charity Mary’s Meals, which provides over three million of the world’s poorest children with a meal in school every day. She attends Newton Mearns Baptist Church and is also involved with the work of Reigate Methodist Church in Surrey, where she came to faith.