I have to confess that while I enjoy getting exercise, I do not always want to. I do not always want to run three miles. I do not always want to sign up for the workout class that I know is going to be very challenging. Every time I choose to exercise, even when I do not feel like it, I am glad I did every time. The cost of working out, the physical exhaustion, is always worth the reward: a stronger body and healthier mind. On a much grander scale, Peter taught readers that the persecution that they faced for following Christ paled in comparison to the joy of following Him.
Peter wrote the book of 1 Peter during a time of intense persecution for Christ followers. He wrote this book to encourage them to keep following Jesus. He wrote to readers, "There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while" (verse 5). Even though Peter's readers were facing unspeakable persecution and torment because they followed Jesus, Peter wanted them to know that ahead of them was joy. Our trials, Peter explained, prove that we have genuine, tested faith (verse 7). When we are strong in our faith during trials, our faith is proven to be steadfast and unshakable. What is the reward for trusting God, according to this passage of Scripture? Peter taught that “the reward for trusting Him will be the salvation of [our] souls” (verse 9). There is no greater reward than salvation.
Peter’s teaching in 1 Peter 1 helps us gain perspective. This world is full of pain and sadness. Sometimes, we face ridicule or, worse, persecution for our faith. Any of the pain and heartache that we face on this earth pales in comparison to the reward for trusting Him through the difficulties and hardships that life brings: our very salvation.
Go on a walk today and reflect on the Scripture that you studied today. Reflect on the truth that any suffering that you may face on this earth pales in comparison to the joy of the salvation and eternal life that we will experience with Christ one day. As you walk and reflect, thank God for the hope that we have of eternal life with Him one day
6 So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. 7 These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.
8 You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. 9 The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls.
10 This salvation was something even the prophets wanted to know more about when they prophesied about this gracious salvation prepared for you. 11 They wondered what time or situation the Spirit of Christ within them was talking about when he told them in advance about Christ’s suffering and his great glory afterward.
12 They were told that their messages were not for themselves, but for you. And now this Good News has been announced to you by those who preached in the power of the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. It is all so wonderful that even the angels are eagerly watching these things happen.
