May 13 - The Goal of Your Faith

Today's Reading:
Isaiah 10:1-11:16
1 Peter 1:1-12
Psalm 139:1-10 
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Focus Verses:
1 Peter 1:8-9
8 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, 9 for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

Insight:
Though life is filled with grief and all kinds of trials, the resurrection of Jesus gives hope and and a new way to live. Through Christ, God has promised an eternal inheritance that cannot be taken away or spoiled. Faith in God's promise and power is a shield and strength that helps us face the troubles and challenges of life. Those who persevere through the trials become purer and surer as they press on in faith. True faith produces true joy and results in true praise as we find ourselves experiencing the meaning and wholeness of what it means to be saved.

Response & Action:
Though I have not seen Jesus, I love him. Though I do not see him now, I believe him. I will live by faith in Christ and persevere through trials. I will cling to God's promises and live in the blessed hope of all he has promised in Christ. I want to be filled with joy in every circumstance. I want to see beyond the struggles of today and press on toward an eternal inheritance. I believe that God will sustain me through anything. He will use the trials I face to purify me and make me whole and real. I want to live a life that results in praise to God.

O God, by the power and grace of your Holy Spirit, lead, teach, transform, shape and strengthen me that I might delight in your will, and walk in your ways to the glory of your name. Protect me from discouragement, and encourage me by your Spirit, through your word, your promises, your people, and all that is beautiful and true. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Resources:
Living the Resurrection: The Risen Christ in an Everyday Life
by Eugene Peterson