In high school, we learned the basic structure of a great story: conflict, climax, and resolution. You start with conflict; the obstacle in the story that the main character must overcome. Then you need a climax; the dramatic turning point where the battle is faced head-on. And finally, you give the reader resolution; the conflict is defeated, and the story concludes. You’ll notice most of our beloved books and movies follow this format.
I’m sure I don’t need to tell you that life doesn’t usually play out like a movie. There’s not always a simple three-part storyline. And sadly, there is sometimes no obvious resolution to our problems.
Our reading from Peter’s second letter addresses the resolution coming for false teachers. Peter calls out religious teachers profiting from a blasphemous version of the gospel. Make no mistake, Peter saw this as a serious offense. Yet, while their sin was worthy of death, many of the false teachers seemed to keep prospering in their work.
Peter’s letter to believers essentially says, “You may not see the resolution right now, but let me tell you how this story is going to end.” Peter declares that God is for the good of His people, and the Lord will fiercely defend His children from evil. Peter reminds us that God fights for His people. He’s not some fairy godmother who shows up to grant our wishes. Peter recalls how the Lord destroyed whole cities and even sent a flood because of His wrath and judgment against wrongdoing.
Sometimes we squirm a bit when we hear about God’s wrath. We might feel more comfortable with depictions of the sacrificial Lamb or the overflowing Spirit. But when we cut out the God of justice, we miss out on a vital part of the Lord’s heart. Perhaps we squirm because we know deep down we deserve wrath too. But the greatest story of all time shows we have nothing to fear.
The story of Jesus started in the garden, where the great conflict of sin entered stage left. From that time on, men and women tried to overcome their flaws and put the world back together with little success. It’s not until Jesus took center stage, bearing the weight of the world’s sin on the cross, that we reached the true climax of the story. Because the Lord knows how to rescue us (2 Peter 2:9), He knew how death needed to be defeated. Christ was raised victorious, and all who call on His name will enter the kingdom of heaven with Him. When you’re in the midst of a struggle with no resolution in sight, remember how this grand story ends.
Jeana, I am praying for you. 3 years ago my husband had an affair and filed for divorce. Our daughter was just barely one. God didn’t deliver me from my circumstances the way I wanted – but He changed me and strengthened me. He goes before you and he stands behind. He is a mighty Warrior who saves. He knows how to rescue his children. He gently leads those who have young. The darkness cannot overcome His light and it will not overcome you. Stay close to Him. He is faithful, He loves you and He weeps with you.
I don’t know anything about Portland (I’m in Indianapolis), but I do listen to a church podcast in Portland – John Mark Comer at Bridgetown Church – maybe you could find some help there?
Hi ladies,
This is my first comment ever but something is calling me to ask for prayer, especially on this day. I am going to be serving my husband with divorce papers this afternoon and I am scared. He is extremely emotionally, mentally and spiritually abusive to me and emotionally abusive to my daughter who is just over 1 years old. I know that this is the right thing but I am terrified. We moved to Portland OR and I don’t know anyone here and I will not be welcomed back to my family in WI. I don’t know where to go from here or whom to reach out too.
Please pray to keep my daughter and I safe, that I make healthy decisions during this time and that things will be okay.
Thank you.
Praying God gives you strength and peace as you move forward!
Praying for you!
Praying blessing over you & your daughter x
Praying the Lord lead you and gives you strength to do the right thing!
God is our faithful Guide and He will show you the way. I’m praying for peace, safety, and prosperity for you amidst this difficult time. ❤️
Praying protection and peace for you Jeana. It is scary but trust that God is with you and holding you and your daughter.
I admire your courage and pray for protection and wisdom. Check out http://www.thecollectivechurch.com if you don’t already have a church home.
Praying over your family!
Praying that you find good community and a good church home with people who will help you navigate through this valley! I commend you leaning on God in this, you are stronger in him and can do immeasurably more with him by your side. Read Ephesians 3:20 and tell yourself “always more” you are capable of more than you think in him.
I wonder if Jesus sacrifice on the cross is the ‘climax’ or if Jesus returning to earth is the ‘climax’ ?
Everyday Jesus….help to trust and rest in knowing you are in control. Father you see actions and motives in people and will judge accordingly. Help my weary soul rest and remain light. Amen
I’m so thankful that our Father knows how to rescue. I don’t know how to save my children from destructive ways of living and the pain and sinfulness of this world. I don’t know how to save my marriage. But our Father knows how to rescue my children. He knows how to rescue my marriage. So thankful today that not only does He know how to rescue but that He is already doing it! He is mighty to save! I’m walking in this truth today!
I am just so glad to know how this story ends! Because it’s not always so happy and joyous. But to know that some day all of this will be behind us, and my Father God reigns, makes all of this worth while. Praise to You Lord!
As I read 2 Peter, verse 9 is the verse that stood out to me this morning. “The Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials”. Such great hope and comfort That he will rescue us, me, you. Do we like these trails? Nope! But just knowing that Jesus is walking right beside this us is such great comfort. He will rescue you, me, us. I was drawn to tears this morning because this life is so hard sometimes. I’ve had to face some of the hardest things and some of the hardest things are yet to come. Please pray with me I have some events coming up that I do not like that I have to face them but verse 9 has brought me such comfort and confirmation that HE is with me
Mary, I also take comfort in knowing that the Lord is with me through these trials, and am praying that He will use what I am going through to reach others. Stay strong Sister!
I am in the middle of a long career change walk and I have been hit with a few low-lows and I keep trying to focus on the fact that God’s plan in not my plan, he is leading me where I need to be. It is hard but I find myself not working about finances and just focusing on where to go next. This read and the comments really helped give me strength today. Funny how God leads us, this is my first time here doing the daily read.