The Spirit Keeps the Work Alive

“Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time” (1 Peter 1:2-5).

Peter was excited to communicate with the churches of the cities he had traveled through. They were outcasts, having been forced out of their homeland, but Peter was painting a beautiful picture for them. His soul was stirred as he spoke of being sanctified of the Spirit, of obedience to Jesus, and the foreknowledge of the Father. He was speaking of how God would keep them and give them an inheritance in the Savior that would be revealed “in the last time.” They were born again to a living hope in Jesus. 

Sanctification empowers believers by the working of the Holy Spirit to be obedient; he keeps that work alive. You may fail him at times but if you have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus, his power is still at work in you, so do not walk in condemnation and shame.

Just as these “elect exiles” were displaced, you may face things in your life that seem to be reversals and setbacks, but you can be sure that every time God says no, it is because he is preparing something better, something that will position you to reach the goals that he has set for you. He is alive and working — and his promises are for you!