March 28

who through faith are shielded by God’s power for the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. — 1 Pet 1:5 BSB

Those who are kept by the power of God through faith often find themselves troubled and anxious, fearing that this salvation may never truly reach their souls. They worry about whether they might be cast away, whether the work in their hearts is genuine, or whether they are truly under God’s teaching. But the Lord assures them that they are “kept by His power through faith unto salvation”—kept as if within a fortified city, preserved by all the attributes of God until salvation comes in its fullness, bringing with it glory, sweetness, and everlasting blessedness into their hearts. They are kept from making shipwreck of their faith until they “receive the end of their faith, the salvation of their souls.”

So, you poor, doubting, distressed, fearing, guilty sinner—this promise is for you. Your soul is bound up in the bundle of life with the Lord your God. Your character and name are found within this promise, which is suitable for you, just as it is suitable for us all. It is suitable for when we gather together, suitable when we are apart, suitable in both city and countryside, suitable for a child of God whether in trial and temptation or in moments of peace. It is suitable for war and suitable for peace, for the moment when the cannons roar and the earth trembles, and for when no enemy seems near, though they may be approaching by stealth.

In fact, if you could point to any moment when this promise didn’t seem suitable to you, that would be the very moment you needed it the most. If you ever found yourself thinking, “I no longer need this promise,” that would be the surest sign you were about to fall and in greater need of the promise than ever before.