December 20, 2019
1 Peter 5:10-11
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.  To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.
New International Version (NIV)
Earlier this year I read about the suffering of a young woman who went to another country to help people.  She was tortured and martyred because she was a faithful follower of Christ.  The story is so sad.  I’m sure you, too, can think of faithful followers of Jesus who suffer mightily.  Why does God allow his faithful servants to suffer?

First century Christians must have asked the same question.  Peter addresses the suffering by saying, if you suffer, make sure it is for doing good for God.  Some suffering can be attributed to poor choices instead of faithful service. 

After he talks about the devil being a roaring lion looking for someone to devour, Peter offers a theological perspective and promise for those who suffer.

God is the God of grace.  He has called his servants to eternal glory in Christ Jesus.  Peter assumes we will suffer:  “after you have suffered a little while . . .”  Here is the promise:  God will restore you, make you strong, firm and steadfast.  When we resist evil, God himself will restore u.  God has the power to empower us to stand strong in our suffering. 

One good friend who has suffered unspeakably as he has walked faithfully with Christ reminded me of Peter’s words.  He said, “Do not feel sorry for me.  God is working in my life and I trust him.”  These are good words from a faithful servant of our glorious, gracious God.  May God give us all the courage to live the truth we believe, even and especially when we suffer.

Pray with me:       
Heavenly Father, as we suffer, we thank you that we serve the God who has also suffered on the cross.  May your vindication and victorious resurrection from the grave give us hope to stand firm as we suffer.  Forgive our self-pity.  Strengthen our stamina.  Help us to finish the race you have marked out for us with our eyes focused on Jesus, the Pioneer and Perfecter of our faith.  For the joy set before him, our Savior endured the cross scorning its shame and sat down victoriously at the right hand of the Father.  We know he is praying for us, interceding right now.  Give us courage to face our challenges with full confidence in all of your promises.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.  
This year our Every Day with Jesus readings will follow The Bible Project Read Scripture Plan.  Copies of this reading plan are available at Tallowood Baptist Church, or download 
the app at readscripture.org.  Read through the Bible with us in 2019!
Joyfully, 
Duane 

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