Day 8 | Chosen for a purpose

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:1–12

Devotion

Peter wrote this letter to the churches in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey) around A.D. 62 to encourage believers facing growing persecution.

These early Christians were secure in their “imperishable, undefiled, and unfading” inheritance as co-heirs with Christ (v.4). They didn’t fear persecution; in fact, they rejoiced in it, because they knew that suffering refines faith, resulting in “praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (vv.6–8).

This “living hope” is the confident expectation of future blessing grounded in the promises of Scripture (v.3). It’s the assurance that one day, we will see Jesus face-to-face and share in His glory.

Just as Peter encouraged believers to stay faithful in trials, we’re reminded of that same call today. Momentum builds as saints are sanctified, and with that often comes opposition. So, as followers of Christ, we must ask ourselves: How do we define our identity? The apostle John frequently referred to himself as “the one Jesus loved.” Is your identity rooted so deeply in Jesus that you’re willing to be bold, stand firm, and endure adversity for His name?

As God’s chosen people, we’re called to respond not with fear, but with faith, to stand firm in the hope we profess. Will we be bold in our witness? Will we proclaim the whole gospel of Jesus Christ, anywhere, anytime, with anybody?

A Personal Prayer

Ask Jesus to remind you that you are chosen for a purpose and placed in this moment to make His name known. Pray for courage to stand firm in your identity and let the momentum of sanctification move you to fearlessly live out the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Pray for Our Neighbors: South Haven Arabic Baptist Church

South Haven Arabic Baptist Church, led by Pastor Gasim Domkog, serves Nashville’s Arabic-speaking community by sharing the gospel and providing a welcoming church home. Since its founding in 2021, the church has grown into a vibrant congregation offering worship, Sunday school, and fellowship for families and individuals seeking connection in Christ.

  • Pray for Pastor Gasim Domkog and the church leaders to have wisdom, strength, and encouragement in ministry.
  • Ask God to bless and protect their transportation ministry as it helps families stay connected to the church.
  • Pray for continued growth and outreach so South Haven Arabic Baptist Church shines as a beacon of gospel hope for Arabic-speaking families in Nashville.

Pray for the Nations: Global Workers | Mac & Grace

Mac and Grace serve with The Point Church in Vancouver, British Columbia, engaging a diverse community of international students at Simon Fraser University. Their ministry focuses on building relationships, discipling students, and encouraging evangelism through the local church.

  • Pray for spiritual growth within The Point Church so members deepen their understanding of belonging to Christ and His mission.
  • Ask God to give Mac and Grace wisdom and boldness as they share the gospel and disciple students.
  • Pray for international students to encounter Jesus through community and carry the gospel as witnesses around the world.