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Four Secrets of Life by Chuck Swindoll

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When our faith is weak, joy strengthens us

No matter how dark the clouds, the sun will eventually pierce the darkness and dispel it; no matter how heavy the rain, the sun will ultimately prevail to hang a rainbow in the sky. Joy will chase away the clouds hovering over our faith and prevail over the disheartening trials that drench our lives.

Read: 1 Peter 4:12-13

When our good is mistreated, endurance stabilizes us

The word endure in 1 Peter 2:20 means, “to bear up under a load,” as a donkey bears up under the load its owner has stacked high on its back. This patient bearing of life’s cumbersome loads is made possible by love, made steadfast by hope, and made easier by example.

Read: 1 Peter 2:19-20

When our confidence is shaken, love supports us

Love is the pillar of support when our world comes crumbling down around us. That’s why, when warning about the end times, Peter puts love on the top of the survival checklist.

Read: 1 Peter 4:8

When our adversary attacks, resistance shields us

When Satan stalks us like a roaring lion, we’re not instructed to freeze, to hide, or to tuck tail and run. We’re told to resist. And that resistance forms a shield to protect us from our adversary’s predatory claws.

Peter wrote his letter to help us hope again. Hope to grow up even when we, like Peter, have failed and fallen. Hope to endure, even through life’s hurts. Hope to believe, even when dreams fade.

Read: 1 Peter 5:8-9

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About the Author:

Mike Barber

Mike is an Air Force veteran, full-time communicator, and part-time tennis teaching professional. He lives on the Outer Banks of North Carolina with his wife, daughter, and brothers and sisters in Christ. Connect with Mike at mike@mikebarber.life or his website www.mikebarber.life.

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