Scripture to Read: 1 Peter 5:10–11
As God begins to close out this letter that Peter has penned, God reminds all believers that suffering will be a part of this life. God says in 1 Peter 5:10–11, After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. 11 To Him be dominion forever and ever. Amen. As we suffer, we must cling to the God of all grace. God's grace is seen as He reminds all believers that His purpose for suffering is eternal and evident. God's purposes are eternal, while our suffering is temporary. What we grieve now will never compare to the everlasting joy and glory we have in Christ. While we will experience loss in suffering, God will restore us with eternal riches (Romans 2:4, Romans 9:23, Ephesians 1:18–29, Ephesians 2:7, Ephesians 3:8, Ephesians 3:16, Philippians 4:19, Colossians 1:27, Colossians 2:2, Titus 3:6). We may not like the fact that we'll suffer in this life, but God also gives us great news. Though we'll suffer, at the same time, God uses the suffering to perfect us, confirm us, strengthen us, and establish us in Him. God has so much in store for us, so He does not want us losing heart or being distracted by the suffering in this life. Instead, God desires us to glory in Him and all He's accomplishing in us and through us. As we consider how God is at work in our lives, we must always find ways to praise God even in suffering!
Challenge & Application
1. How have you seen God work through the suffering in your life?
2. How are you giving praise to God for how you have seen Him work during times of trial in your life?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!