1 Peter 5:5-11
“Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for ou. 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.”
These are all tied together and are common to every believer. Staying humble begins with recognition of God’s authority and power over us. We must remember that we can do nothing without God’s power and will. There is nothing to boast about except in Jesus.
Suffering is something that we should expect as a child of God living in a hostile and evil world. The devil wants to harm us any way he can. This will cause suffering. We are in good company when we suffer for doing good.
God’s power enables us to resist the devil and carries us through suffering. What do we have to look forward to? “…the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen and establish you.”
We are not left to fend for ourselves. We are in His loving hands and cannot be taken by the enemy. We are fully cared for by Him now and for eternity. What a wonderful thought!
Prayer: Father, thank you for having us in your hands. Thank you for your abiding Holy Spirit in our lives to guide, encourage, teach, and protect us. What a wonderful Savior you are. To You be the dominion forever and ever. Amen