Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:3-7
Last week was filled with challenging days for me. I struggled to take care of William and Adelaide while Will was at work. My energy levels barely carried me through the day until 5:00 when Will came home. I spent the weekend in bed, like I have most weekends this summer, simply recovering from five days with my children in my home.
The fatigue was intense, and I had to fight to cling to hope. Will patiently, and lovingly, and consistently reminded me of the hope I have. He helped me to see the bigger picture. He helped me to keep an eternal perspective in the midst of the very hard now. He reminded me of my living hope, of my inheritance waiting in Heaven. He encouraged me with the words from 1 Peter, showing me that the testing and trials now are serving a good purpose: my future glory.
What an amazing thought! The trials that I face now will result in praise and glory and honor. I am so undeserving, but because of the amazing grace of God, I have an inheritance waiting in Heaven. If I am faithful in the hard here and now, I will, in the future, receive praise and glory and honor. I am clinging to that hope.
