The Four Secrets of Life
In this article, we recycle Pastor Chuck Swindoll’s four secrets of life, based on a reading of 1 Peter.
1. When our faith is weak, joy strengthens us
No matter how dark the clouds, the sun will eventually pierce the darkness and dispel it; no matter how heavy the rain, the sun will ultimately prevail to hang a rainbow in the sky. Joy will chase away the clouds hovering over our faith and prevail over the disheartening trials that drench our lives.
Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. —1 Peter 4:12-13 NKJV
2. When our good is mistreated, endurance stabilizes us
The word endure in 1 Peter 2:20 means, “to bear up under a load,” as a donkey bears up under the load its owner has stacked high on its back. This patient bearing of life’s cumbersome loads is made possible by love, made steadfast by hope, and made easier by example.
For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully. For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. —1 Peter 2:19-20 NKJV
3. When our confidence is shaken, love supports us
Love is the pillar of support when our world comes crumbling down around us. That’s why, when warning about the end times, Peter puts love on the top of the survival checklist.
And above all things have fervent love for one another, for love will cover a multitude of sins. —1 Peter 4:8 NKJV
4. When our adversary attacks, resistance shields us
When Satan stalks us like a roaring lion, we’re not instructed to freeze, to hide, or to tuck tail and run. We’re told to resist. And that resistance forms a shield to protect us from our adversary’s predatory claws.
Peter wrote his letter to help us hope again. Hope to grow up even when we, like Peter, have failed and fallen. Hope to endure, even through life’s hurts. Hope to believe, even when dreams fade.
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. —1 Peter 5:8-9 NKJV
