1 Peter 2:9 (CSB) – But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his possession, so that you may proclaim the praises of the one who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
Last week was heavy. The violence and brokenness we witnessed left many of us drained. But yesterday, we gathered in worship. We sang, prayed, shared in the Lord’s Supper, and remembered that God is still on the throne. Worship restores our perspective. It reminds us that evil does not have the final word. And now, the page turns. A new week begins.
As you step into this week, remember who you are. The world wants to define you through stereotypes. Some assume all Christians are judgmental, backward, or narrow-minded. But God says otherwise. “See what great love the Father has given us that we should be called God’s children—and we are!” (1 John 3:1). You are His child. His possession. His chosen one.
Your spiritual identity is not just comforting—it’s empowering. Paul reminds us in Ephesians 2:10 that “we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do.” You are not an accident. God has prepared this very week for you to walk in His light and carry out His work.
And remember, you are not left alone in the struggle. The Spirit of God dwells within you. Romans 8:11 says, “And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, then he who raised Christ from the dead will also bring your mortal bodies to life through his Spirit who lives in you.” The same power that raised Jesus equips you to face today.
So when the headlines try to fill you with fear, recall the words of 2 Timothy 1:7: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.” When you feel alone, hold on to Jesus’ promise in Matthew 28:20: “I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
This week may bring challenges, but it also brings opportunities:
Opportunities to show Christ in your workplace.
Opportunities to reflect His patience in your home.
Opportunities to proclaim His goodness in conversations with others.
So let this be your reminder today:
I belong to God.
I have been called out of darkness.
I am filled with His Spirit.
My purpose today is to shine His light.
This week, don’t just survive. Live as one who has been chosen, redeemed, and sent.
