The Upward Look
© Copyright 2009, Max D. Hutto,

“In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials.”
   1 Peter 1:6 NASB ©

While the believers may be distressed, discouraged, saddened, and anguished in the face of persecution and trials, they can greatly rejoice because of God’s great power and the eternal inheritance that He has provided. The trials one faces on earth will only be for a short time in comparison to the joys of eternity in heaven. These trials may be necessary so that God’s purposes will be done in the lives of the believers and in the world.

Lord Jesus, thank You for the joy of my salvation that fills my life, a joy that is not based on my circumstances. In spite of the suffering and trials that come in this life, I trust You my Savior and Lord.

* (footnotes & credits)

NASB ©
The Bible quotes marked NASB are from the New American Standard Bible,
© Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977,
by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, CA. (used with permission)

HCSB ©
The Bible quotes marked HCSB are from the Holman Christian Standard Bible,
© Copyright 2000 by Holman Bible Publishers (used with permission).

NIV ©
The Bible quotes marked NIV are from the New International Version,
© Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, by The International Bible Society. (used with permission)