Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy,

i Peter 1:8 NIV

In this world, you’ll have struggles. You’ll face opposition. You’ll be challenged. And there’s a reason for that: this world is not your home. So, answer hate with love, find joy in the midst of trials, and rely on a strength beyond yourself. You’re meant to be … different!

1 Peter is a letter from one of Jesus’ original disciples, the Apostle Peter, to displaced and persecuted Christians in Asia Minor, which is now modern-day Turkey. He knew these Christians were living in a world that was like a dark room. Peter wrote these letters with deep, personal passion to help these Christians, and all Christians living in unfriendly waters, to find our bearings, and learn to keep our eyes fixed on Christ so that we grow accustomed to Him, not the patterns of this world. Craig Groeschel, senior pastor of Life Church, puts it like this, “My faith isn’t based on what I see. My faith is based on who God is.” 

Today as you read 1 Peter chapter 1, ask the Holy Spirit to show you how you can identify with Peter and these early Christians. Is your hope firmly planted in what Christ did for you? Or, do you look to things, people, and culture for peace, satisfaction, and direction? Is your faith based on what you see or on who God is? Do you see trials as opportunities to become like Christ or reasons to deny Him? Today, may your heart overflow with inexpressible and glorious joy as you remember Jesus’ promise to be with you through every moment of your day (1 Peter 1:8-9).

My faith isn’t based on what I see. My faith is based on who God is.

Craig Groeschel

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