A Living Hope in a Hurting World (1 Peter 1:1-12)

Have you ever felt out of place, like you didn’t quite fit in? Maybe it was at school, at work, or even in your own family. The people Peter was writing to in the book of 1 Peter knew that feeling well. They were called “exiles,” scattered far from home, living in places where following Jesus wasn’t always welcomed.

But Peter reminds them—and us—that even when life is hard, we have something powerful: a living hope.

We May Feel Like Outsiders, But We Are Chosen by God

Peter begins his letter with a message of comfort. He calls his readers “God’s elect,” chosen by God—even while they were living as strangers in the world.

“To God’s elect, exiles… who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father…” (1 Peter 1:1-2)

They were facing persecution and suffering, but they weren’t forgotten. God had His eye on them. The same is true for you and me. You may feel rejected by the world, but you are accepted by God. You are known. You are loved. You are chosen.

Our Hope Is Alive Because Jesus Is Alive

Peter then points to the source of our hope – the resurrection of Jesus.

“In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ…” (1 Peter 1:3)

This isn’t the kind of hope that fades away or depends on good luck. This is living hope—real, lasting, and secure—because it’s rooted in something that actually happened. Jesus rose from the dead. And because of that, we have a future that can never be taken away.

When life feels overwhelming or unfair, remember this: the tomb is still empty. Jesus is still alive. And that means our hope is still alive, too.

This Hope Carries Us Through Hard Times

Peter doesn’t pretend life is easy. He says we’ll face “grief in all kinds of trials.” But those trials have a purpose.

“These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith… may result in praise, glory and honor…” (1 Peter 1:6-7)

Our struggles don’t mean God has forgotten us. In fact, they may be the very way God is strengthening our faith. Just like gold is refined by fire, our faith is refined through hardship. And one day, all the pain will make sense when we stand before Jesus.

Our Hope Was Always Part of God’s Plan

Peter closes this section by reminding us that this hope didn’t come out of nowhere. The prophets long ago spoke of the grace that would come through Jesus.

“Even angels long to look into these things.” (1 Peter 1:12)

Think about that. Even angels are amazed by the story of salvation. That’s how big and beautiful it is. And now, we get to be part of it.

You’re Not Alone. You’re Part of a Bigger Story.

If you’re feeling discouraged today, take heart. You’re not forgotten. You’re not alone. You’re part of something bigger than yourself—a story that started long ago and leads to eternal life. And in that story, hope isn’t just a word. It’s a person. It’s Jesus.

So hold on to that living hope.

Because it’s holding on to you.