Daily Reading: 1 Peter 1
Scripture Focus: The tested genuineness of your faith... (1 Peter 1.7)
Devotional Thought: I am a fan of C. S. Lewis. One of his novels, Perelandra, is a work of fantasy in which Ransom, the protagonist, makes a trip to Venus, discovering the Venusian Adam and Eve. The plot revolves around the temptation of Tinidril (the mother of the planet) to spend the night on solid ground - something explicitly forbidden by God. When Tinidril was victorious over that temptation, then Venusian destiny was set. The people of Venus would be allowed to live on solid ground, but only because Tinidril's faith in God proved genuine.
There are some things that come into our lives that test our faith. We may not understand why we have to go through those things. We are often tempted to discount the importance of obedience in times of testing. But, our characters, our destinies are determined by decisions we make in times of testing.
The Apostle Peter recognized that fact. He knew that the faith of those early Christians was being tested. They were rejected by their communities and families. They were persecuted by their government and neighbors. They were confused about the delay of Christ's return. They suffered sickness, death, and economic setbacks. Peter told them, in essence, "Hold on! Your faith is being tested, and the faithfulness you show now will bring about the salvation of your souls. This is a joy beyond measure!"
Child of God, are you experiencing trials? Rejoice! You are not being punished. Rather your faith is being refined and the capacity of your soul is being enlarged. There is great reward for Venusian verity!
Prayer: Father, thank you for your faithfulness. Strengthen me, O Lord, that I may prove faithful to you - even when I experience trials and temptations. Refine me, O Lord, that my heart may be pure.
Psalm of the Day: 9 Sooner than your pots can feel the heat of thorns, whether green or ablaze, may he sweep them away! 10 The righteous will rejoice when he sees the vengeance; he will bathe his feet in the blood of the wicked. 11 Mankind will say, "Surely there is a reward for the righteous; surely there is a God who judges on earth." (Psalms 58:9-11)
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