1 Peter 1:13

Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming ~ 1 Peter 1:13


There are many trials we face in life, and they differ from person to person. Jesus advised his disciples, and us through his words that we would face trials, that just because we believe in him, we would not be free of the ups and downs of life. In fact, he warned us because we believe in him we could face more trouble than those who do not. Many churches and preachers today preach a soft Christ, a friend you can cozy up to, and one that will protect you from all harm. They mislead new believers, for when trouble comes upon them, they turn their back on the God who did not supposedly protect them. Jesus is our friend, and he does walk with us, but his walk continues through the hard and the soft times. This is our hope. Jesus will not keep from us that which is good, though we may have to walk through the trial to reach that goodness. The disciples were told to be alert and fully sober of mind, they were not to become fainthearted or weary in their trials. They were not to give up and abandon their hopes in the good news Jesus brings. What are your troubles today? Many are becoming fainthearted with the ongoing disease our world is suffering from in these days. Some just want life to be “normal” again, whatever that normal was. We are tired of lockdowns, of separation from loved ones, of covid-19 and hearing its name. others are dealing with other sicknesses during this time, which seem to be on the backburners of care. Our health care personnel are overworked and exhausted too. Trials come with many names and in many sizes, but do not give up. Jesus is our friend, and we can cozy up to him, but not so that we do not have to face the trials life brings, but in that when we walk through the flood and the fire, he walks right along with us and will not leave us. He is our hope, forever!

Pastor Julia

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