“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In 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 can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you.” (1 Peter 1:3-4 NIV)
Children of God are richly blessed. They possess a precious treasure that will never run out. Yet life on earth does not pass without difficulty.
Paul speaks of facing “all kinds of trials” (1 Peter 1:6, NIV) and of the “troubles” that come upon him (2 Corinthians 4:17, NIV). For many believers, these experiences are a harsh reality. Spiritual struggle can be very exhausting. Opposition from family members, authorities, or society as a whole also leaves deep wounds. In many places, Christians are oppressed and persecuted, sometimes even killed because of their faith.
Paul knew from personal experience how hard this could be. Yet he experienced “an inexpressible and glorious joy” (1 Peter 1:8, NIV) because his gaze extended beyond present troubles. He knew that a magnificent future awaited him with Christ in heaven. That was his true home. There his treasure was safely stored, and there his heart was also (cf. Matthew 6:20–21).
How are you experiencing your life at the moment? Is everything going smoothly, or are you going through a difficult season? Like Paul, do you have “a treasure in heaven,” and how does that make a difference in your life here and now?