From part of my Scripture reading this morning:
“Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast.” 1 Peter 5:8-10
I bolded that phrase “after you have suffered a little while” because it jumped right off the page (well actually out of my cell phone) at me when I read it this morning. I never really noticed that “after you have suffered a little while” bit before…
Peter knew suffering. He had been beaten and imprisoned repeatedly for preaching the message of Jesus Christ. He would eventually be crucified for it, martyred for his faith, as would all the disciples except John. So Peter knew what he was talking about when he taught about suffering.
Most of us may never be physically beaten or imprisoned, but we often feel emotionally and spiritually beaten down by the hardships of this life. Many of us feel that way right now. This is a difficult season for so many of us in so many different ways.
But notice what Peter says here. The suffering will only last “a little while.” After just “a little while” of suffering, God “will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast.”
That is a promise for US!
If Peter could feel “strong, firm, and steadfast” in the midst of the incredible sufferings he endured, surely we can too. God Himself is able to restore us as well during this difficult season in our lives.
Do you feel like you are suffering right now? Do you feel beaten down emotionally and spiritually right now? Remember this promise. Your sufferings will only last “a little while.” Even now God can restore your spirit and heart. Even now He will pour His strength, courage, and healing into your soul if you reach out to Him.
Hang on, friend, just a little while longer. Your help is on the way. And He is Jesus.
