"To the pilgrims" - What a great reminder that we are residing temporarily in our earthly homes. We have an eternal home! Several men at our church like to say that everything we know here is in its "pre-ash state." This is comforting as our real homeland is in heaven, and so is our hope!
We read from Romans 8:28-30, which begins "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." To what do those "all things" refer? Back up 10 verses where v. 18 says, "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." The context is suffering in life. Peter is also especially concerned about those enduring persecution. He wants them to realize that they're the elect!
Our pastor directed us to the explanation in the 1689 Second Baptist London Confession of Faith, chapter III, 1. "God hath decreed in himself, from all eternity, by the most wise and holy counsel of his own will, freely and unchangeably, all things, whatsoever comes to pass...." There's a lot more that can be said from this, but I found these to be words of true comfort for believers: "all things, whatsoever comes to pass!" Isn't it a comfort that the Lord who saved you, the Father who loves you, and the Spirit who sanctifies you decreed whatsoever comes to pass from all eternity?! You will not be lost! These things "work together for good" for you, for your family, and for the church.
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