THERE IS A WONDERFUL JOY AHEAD

As children of God, we have every reason to rejoice and be glad in our salvation, both in present circumstance and our future glory. For this reason, today, we are looking at how Peter admonished Christians facing trials by comforting them with the truth of who they are in Christ.

Reference: 1 Peter 1:6 New Living Translation (NLT) 'So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while.'

In Christ, we have a living faith that guarantees victorious and inviting end in anything we get involved. No matter the situation we encounter in life, we already know the end right from the beginning. That's just the reality of our position as the saints in Christ Jesus. When you truly find time to contemplate about the mysteries of your salvation, you'll understand that God's mercy towards us is so great and boundless; its simply beyond human imagination and comprehension. By meditating on this truth, your heart can only be stirred to new levels of excitement and praise. And this means: whenever you face trials or encounter challenges, begin to rejoice and express true gladness because there's wonderful joy ahead.

Here me, beloved, as a born-again Christian, you can never be disadvantaged in this present life. That's the reason Paul said, 'And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.' Notice the verse didn't say, 'And we think, assume, or wish'. It says, 'And we know'. Its a statement of certainty and conviction, not assumption. Therefore, maintaining your joy is more about your faith in God and less about your feelings. It is also less about your circumstance and more about the assurance and declaration of God's Word. For the unsaved, their happiness is directly linked to feeling and circumstances. But for you in Christ, in all circumstances, your life is worth rejoicing over because of what God has done for you and is doing for you right now. In another way, I mean that even in times of trouble, you must also rejoice and look out for the benefit in the trouble because God is always working behind the scene to honour and lift you.

Think about this: You've been called to live a supernatural life in Christ which implies that you are not ordinary. You are supernaturally provided for and your present and future are already secure in Christ. The Bible says that you are more than conquerors and so, you're strategically positioned to walk in dominion. Nothing can change that. Therefore you have no choice than to keep on rejoicing in Christ, bearing in mind that you reign and rule over circumstances. Why am I pointing out these solid truths on a solid foundation? I want you to know and develop a perpetual awareness of who you are, because once you do, the devil is in the soup. He will automatically lose his grip on your matter.

Holding on to these truths can only cause the heart of every Christian to transcend the challenges of life. That's exactly what Peter was conveying to the "elect resident aliens" scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia. While the new Christians have encountered trials and hostility from locals, Peter encouraged them to sustain their joy and stand firm on the astounding truth of who they are in Christ. James equally wrote, 'Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds (James 1:2 NIV). Why? Its because our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory (2 Corinthians 4:17 KJV). Therefore rejoice and celebrate now and always. Glory to God!

Scripture Reading: Psalm 118:24; Nehemiah 8:10; Philippians 4:4; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.

Guided Prayer: Heavenly Father, your Word is the perfect and ultimate source of unlimited and unspeakable joy. Through faith, I'm shielded by your power and I rejoice in my eternal security and assurance of victory in all circumstances. Therefore, I reign and rule over circumstances, by focusing on the benefits of my salvation and possessing my inheritance in Christ, in Jesus' Name, Amen!