The events of this life cannot change our hope in Christ unless we allow them to. The shifting of cultural norms, the nervous movements of the financial market, or the results of an election do not have the power to affect our faith if our eyes are on the Lord.
What remains unchanged through all the ups and downs of this life is our inheritance in Christ held in heaven for us. It is held in a place of absolute safety in heaven awaiting our arrival. That understanding should direct how we respond to the unexpected events of this life.
Peter wrote, “Now we live with great expectation, and we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see” (I Peter 1: 3-5).
Our lives should be marked by a great expectation of what is to come because we are no longer part of this world and its ever-changing effect on our lives. Our expectation protects us from wandering away and embracing falsehoods that will lead us to a place of depression and unbelief. What awaits us is pure and unable to be defiled by what happens in this life. It exists in a place beyond the resulting change and decay of the false hopes of this life.
Understanding our eternal destiny gives us an alternative to how we should live this life, “So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So, when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world” (vs. 6-7).
If someone has allowed themselves to be overcome by the unpredictable events of life, we need to be compassionate and merciful toward them, especially when they are manifesting the results of their acquiescence to a deceptive spirit. God is not done with those who possess a weakened faith. Because of His patient love, He will do everything in His power to recapture their faith and lead them back to an understanding of their inheritance, something that has the power to overcome their wayward thinking.
I have been grateful that there are kind believers who have led me to the truth of the unpredictable trials of my life. I have needed the community to be aware I am not the only one facing these trials.