"The Troubled"

  Life can be very difficult at times. We can't deny that but because we face obstacles, does that mean God has forsaken us? We would say, "Well, no!" But do we really believe that? It seems we are looking for something when troubles arise and hoping, just hoping the Lord will do something. That's it...if He would only do something to help.

  Let's get down to things quickly today. People that are troubled and distressed need more than someone being sympathetic! They need reality. But you can't make them accept reality. That must come from the faith of the one in the distress. We can help carry those burdens whenever possible (Gal. 6:2) but still the Lord calls us to carry our own loads (Gal. 6:5).

  Here comes Peter with his letter. Peter writes to Jewish Christian's in trouble, distressed and rejected by society. He writes to brethren who are undergoing suffering and will face even more in the days ahead. What does Peter tell them (and us)? Carefully read where his letter starts. He tells them who they are!!! In the first nine verses Peter expresses to these suffering saints they are God's chosen. They are the people that are made different by the Holy Spirit. They are the covenant people of God by the blood of Jesus Christ risen from the dead.

  Peter moves from this to expressing they once were not the people of God but now are and God views them as precious. They are holy to God no matter how scorned and mistreated they find themselves (I Pet. 2). Peter doesn't deny their troubles. He reminds them who they are. Just imagine for a moment that these suffering saints are sitting in their assembly and just receives this letter from Peter. One stands and reads. The real question is can they believe these incredible claims from the Lord? This is who they are! This is who we are!!

  Next time you hear of a troubled brother or sister, what do you say to them? What direction should we send them? Should we not, before we speak a word about their troubles, tell them who they are? Take them to God and show them this is how they are before the Holy Father. From there the solution becomes much easier!