1 Peter: For His Glory, by His GraceSample

What is the goal of your life? What are you living for each day? Are you hoping to accomplish something, like getting your dream job or winning an award? Or maybe your goal is a bit more personal. Maybe you want to get married, start a family, and travel the world.

These are good goals, but they are not the ultimate. So, what is the goal of your life? Toward what (or whom) are you striving? Where is your hope?

The Christian’s entire life is built upon and moving toward one goal: living for the glory of God, by His grace. Bringing glory to God is the work of a righteous and beautiful existence. It gives us joy to pray, to serve others, to carry a piece of God’s light into every moment, every conversation, every encounter, every day.

But how much sense does it make to seek God’s glory when suffering comes? Maybe it’s in the form of depression, abuse, persecution, miscarriage, financial hardship, sickness, loss, betrayal, a prodigal child, medical diagnosis, a false accusation, or something else. No matter what you’re experiencing, it can be hard to see why you should glorify God in that suffering.

Have you considered that the trial you’re experiencing has a goal? We often focus on getting through the trial, not always considering how God may be seeking to glorify Himself in and through us as we endure suffering.

What if the real goal of your suffering is displaying God’s glory, to demonstrate the “genuineness of your faith” (1 Peter 1:6)? It’s sobering to think that all your efforts, all your struggles, are truly for Him so that they “may result in praise, glory, and honor” (1 Peter 1:7).

1 Peter 1:3 confirms that the hope that we have is a “living hope.” God’s grace is ever present, always active, and always sufficient. It never fails. Because He lives, you can face today, tomorrow, and every day after that to the glory of God.

1. What truths do you need to remind yourself of as you go through trials?
2. How do you relate to and experience God’s grace?
3. How do you remind yourself of the gift you have received and keep your focus on submission in all areas of your life?