Daily devotional · March 20
A Living Hope
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power for the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in various trials so that the proven character of your faith—more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and rejoice with an inexpressible and glorious joy, now that you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”
Peter writes to believers scattered and struggling, and he begins with praise. By his great mercy, God has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus, an inheritance that cannot spoil or fade, kept safe in heaven. Peter does not deny that they face trials. He says these trials are like fire refining gold, proving that faith is genuine. Even without seeing Jesus, they love him and rejoice with a joy that words cannot fully carry. The word living matters: this hope is not a wish that things might work out but a confidence anchored in something that has already happened. In a season when the world seems to be waking up after winter, that picture is easy to grasp. Today, name one difficulty that is weighing on you, and remind yourself that it is not the final chapter. Then share a word of encouragement with someone else who is struggling.
Prayer
Living God, thank You for a hope that does not fade. Hold me steady in trials. Amen.