Whenever I have a doubt, a question, or a difficulty, I feel my faith put to the test.
- What do I really believe in?
- Why do I believe?
- What’s the purpose for which we are here?
- How will this end?
Naturally, once I notice the frailty and weakness of my faith, I start to judge myself. Which in turn, adds to me the guilt of not being the unshakeable and secure man of faith I’d like to be.
What consoles me on these days is the realization that the same happened to every great man of faith, starting with Peter — the only man besides Jesus who walked on water, and the first to sink as fast as a rock.
Peter himself heard from Jesus’ own mouth, when he was announcing the difficulties Peter would face: “Each one will try to save his own skin, and to do that will have to abandon me. But I won’t be abandoned. The Father is with me. I’m telling you these things so that, believing in me, you may be unshakeable and secure and enjoy peace. In this evil world you will always have difficulties. But stand firm! I have overcome the world”.
Approximately 30 years later, it was his turn, in his first letter, to share the same testimony and hope with the new Christians in Turkey.
Back then, most of the new Christians in Turkey were non-Jewish ex-pagans. Paul was the one who planted the first churches in Turkey, but he was in prison, or had just been released; so few of the new converts in those churches knew him personally.
They knew, from Paul’s experience, what faith could cost and faced daily the wrath of relatives, friends, and coworkers who refused to believe they had abandoned their traditions to serve this new God. So, they needed to hear from Peter what true faith was and how to live among those who saw them as traitors.
I, Fellipe, write to my beloved brothers in Christ, wherever you read this post, the same words as Peter: “the difficulties, questions, doubts, and fears you face are not exclusively yours. They are shared by thousands of Christians throughout history. They are shared by me. Don’t feel guilty, and don’t judge yourself. We are all unworthy of God’s mercy, which is renewed over us daily.”
Along with you, there are millions of other Christians who, every now and then, bend in prayer and try not to lower their guard.
Stand firm, and remember the psalmist’s poetry: “You renew me, and my discouragement disappears; my cup overflows with blessings. Your goodness and your love chase after me all the days of my life.”
Peter ends his letter with the following message: “Have a calm mind, but always be alert. The devil is looking to attack, and he wants nothing more than to catch you off guard. Don’t lower your guard. You are not the only ones facing difficult moments. The same happens to many Christians around the world. So, stand firm in the faith. Suffering won’t last forever. Not in the presence of a generous God, who has great plans for us in Christ, eternal and glorious plans! He will keep you united and firm forever. God has the last word. Yes, he does”