| Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 5:8–11 |
her. First, it reminded her that her trial did not surprise God. He was still sovereign and ruled over all her struggles. She could trust that He was still very much on the throne, very much in control. It also reminded her of the sad reality that in this fallen world of ours, we can’t escape hardship. (“In this world you WILL have trouble...” Jesus said in John 16:33 as he prepared his disciples for the future.) And we are not the only ones struggling, for “the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.” We are called then to “comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” (1 Corinthians 1:4)
Peter may have been referring to the persecution of believers in his passage, but sickness and disease and pain are common to all. We can’t expect to get through this life without suffering, and yet, God Himself will “restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish” us! Not a proxy, but God HIMSELF! He sends us the very best—Himself—His own Son and Holy Spirit, His very presence and breath of life.
A more modern translation of 1 Peter 5:8-11 can be found in The Message:
He Gets the Last Word
“Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up. You’re not the only ones plunged into these hard times.
It’s the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith. The suffering won’t last forever. It won’t be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ—eternal and glorious plans they are!—will have you put together and on your feet for good. He gets the last word; yes, he does.”
Thank You, Father, that you have the final say in all matters. Suffering will never overtake us, and You have set limitations to all our trials. You keep Your loving eye on us as we journey through this world. You carry us through the valley and You set us on the mountain top. Be with all those who struggle and mourn this day. Give them a sense of Your presence and Your peace. May they know without a doubt that You are with them this very moment. Encourage, strengthen and carry them through every step of their difficult journey. Amen.
