We all know that life can be hard. We face challenges, disappointments and even persecution, especially those who follow Christ. The suffering mentioned in 1Peter 5:10, is a reality that we cannot ignore. It is a reminder that the path of discipleship is not always easy, and that we may be called to endure trials for a while. But Peter’s message is not one of despair. He reminds us that we are not alone in our suffering. God, the God of all grace, is with us. He has called us to His eternal glory, and He will not leave us to face our challenges alone. God will restore us from the damage and hurt of our trials, bringing us back to a place of wholeness and wellbeing. He will confirm our faith, strengthening our conviction that He is faithful and true.
God will strengthen us, equipping us with the grace and power we need to persevere through our trials. He will establish us, solidifying our foundation in Christ, so that, we may stand firm against the storms of life.
The Christian life is not without trials and tribulations. The Christian walk is not for the chicken hearted, but a journey of faith through God’s help and daily direction from the word of God. We never give up no matter what we are going through because to bow out is self-defeat. The journey of faith can be difficult and require courage to overcome obstacles and persevere through hardships.
We are to embrace challenges and difficult times with hope because our suffering is not in vain. It is a part of God’s plan to refine and prepare us for eternal glory. We are to contend with our everyday skirmishes that is a mark of battle-readiness. A soccer activist that only wins when playing home, but loses all away matches, is not skillful. We are to lean on God’s grace that is ever sufficient to help us go through life challenges and trials. So, as we face trials and tribulations, let us remember the promise of 1Peter 5:10. God, the God of all grace, will ultimately restore, confirm, strengthen and establish us.
We live in a world that is in disarray, encumbered by host of unfriendly forces of darkness, whose pre-occupation is to withstand everything that will give God glory. We should not shy away from spiritual battles if we are to be crowned victors and overcomers. Peter encourages us from the above text not to see it as strange when we face battles of life. Anyone who wishes to merit the crown of Christ will of necessity share in His battle experience.
Paul, himself, cautioned Timothy to be careful as a soldier of Christ, not entangle himself with the affairs of this world else he will be disqualified from the reward. “No Cross, No Crown.”
We can be rest assured that our suffering, though real, is only for a little while.The Bible assures us that we will not suffer our whole life, but after a little while. You may be in a season of suffering, a season of struggle, you feel stuck in your health, your marriage, your finances, seems like it is never going to get better. No! God, Himself, is about to step in and do what only He can do. God’s eternal glory is waiting for us, and He will guide us through the path of suffering to that glorious destination.
• Today’s nugget: No cross, no crown.” Prayer: Lord Jesus, grant me grace to continue so that my reward will not be put off here and hereafter, Amen! Prayer lines: 08033299824.E-mail: [email protected]. Rev. Abel UkachiAmadi, General Superintendent, Assemblies of God Nigeria
