1 Peter 1:1,2 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To God's elect, strangers in the world, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance.

 

Why is it when we go through tough times we immediately think God must be shirking his responsibilities to bless us and give us a good life?

What people need to remember is that God began the work in you and he will see it through. He has a plan. Think of your salvation and what a great God we have. We could have been born a tribe in the heart of Africa. I could have been born in the heart of communism without the gospel preached and brought up to believe in nothing- No God, no supreme power, only man is the highest being. How is it that I was born in a Christian home? How is it that I heard the gospel of Christ and that I was saved? I praise His name because He has shown mercy to me since birth. It is not my doing it is God's plan and purpose carried out.

The doctrine of election and foreknowledge of God are important principles to understand especially when people are thinking God is not caring that they are suffering and going through hard times. Before the world began God chose us in Christ (Eph 1:4) All whom the Father gave to Christ come unto Him. (John 6:37) How is it that two people hear about Jesus; one is interested and the other could care less? One is eager to know more about God and Christ, His Son whereas the other can't wait to get away from discussing Spiritual things? 

To the unbelieving world the gospel is a proclamation to repent and exercise faith in Christ and it is to “whosoever will, may come.” We are elected to obey, which sometimes means we suffer at the hands of evil people who are threatened by the truth. It was suffering of Christians that provided the spread of the gospel and Peter experienced beatings tortures and death and is writing to the persecuted church to look beyond to see something greater than cannot be taken away.

While it is a great honor to be among God's favorite, we must remember that Gods' purpose in election is to set apart a people to fulfill His purposes, not ours.

It is exciting to realize that long before you were born God had you in His mind. He is not going to forget you now. He made you the way He wanted that you might obey Him and honor Him in your life, in the good times and in the bad times.

That's the way God is. He is not against man. He is for him. He knew all about Peter. He knows all about me and he knows all about you. He knows all about the people who were suffering for Christ’s sake. And Peter reminds them they are special. Do not think for a moment that just because you are going through hard times you are forgotten. You are special. Peter knew.

Application:  Walk in obedience

Prayer:   Lord, these things are hard to understand, yet Your Word says it and so I believe it.  Thank You for choosing me.