1st Peter contains valuable lessons for staying steadfast in challenging times. The early church community was persecuted heavily and Peter advise them how to stand strong in their faith during this challenging period. The stressors for the early church were in some ways not unlike ours.

1) They were socially distanced – Becoming a believer often meant becoming cut off from your community. Early believers were viewed as heretics and where often times shunned by friends and family and cut off from life in the synogogue. If they had few or now other believers around them, then they were isolated.

2) They feared for their livelihood or lost it – Being cut off from their community could come in the form of people withdrawing from doing business with them or casting them out of their jobs. They essentially experienced cancel culture.

3) They feared for their physical safety – Early on persecution was predominantly social, but grew into a physical threat. Believers eventually were being arrested and or executed. Peter advised them to stand steadfast and resist. He advised them to take active steps to sustain their faith until God would come and restore them. He let them know they were not alone.

Rev. Arnold shares five practical ways he has actively worked at self-care to stay strong and not become overwhelmed. The first three of these have strong biblical roots.

He has chosen to:

— Connect with friends deeply
— Spend more time in nature
— Meditate more
— Exercise more

Limit social media Listen and learn how we can all stand more steadfast as we weather this pandemic or other times of trial in our lives.SHOW LESS