1 Peter 5 - 2.8.25
Scripture
1 Peter 5:8-11 NIV
“Be alert and of sober mind. 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. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.”
Observation
Peter is encouraging the church with words that would help them remain faithful to Jesus, because they were experiencing persecution. (Reference: 1 Peter intro in the Bible app)
First, Peter writes to the elders of church, then to the flock about how to be humble and submissive towards each other and to God.
Lastly, he speaks about the devil’s tactics and that the church needs to continue standing firm in the faith. Also, he encourages them that they are not alone in their suffering. He describes their suffering as just for “a little while” and that God would eventually restore them. (Vs. 10)
Application
Remain steadfast in the faith.
Have you ever felt like you were the only person going through something? Whether it be loneliness, grief, loss, misunderstanding, temptations, hurt, trials, struggles, etc. The Bible says we are not alone. Believers all over the world are undergoing the same sufferings we as Christ followers are.
“We also take comfort in knowing that we are never alone in our spiritual warfare. Our brothers and sisters in Jesus have fought, and are fighting, the same battles.” (David Guzik, enduringword.com)
The devil likes to keep us isolated through difficult times, but the more we focus on others and serve others, the more full our lives in Christ becomes!
Stand firm in the faith through prayer, fasting, His Word, worship and being involved with our church community!
Prayer
Dear Lord,
Thank You that we have a hope, a purpose and a future because of You! Thank You that grief, suffering, trials and temptation are nothing new to You, because You have experienced it and overcame it! Thank You for the words of wisdom from Your Word and the people of the early church who can help us persevere through anything the world throws at us. I pray that our faith would prove to be genuine through our trials. I pray that we would remain steadfast in You. I pray for all my brothers and sisters in the faith who go through the same trials and suffering. May we continue to live as foreigners on this earth as we await our permanent inheritance and home in Heaven with You. Amen.
-Michelle Gaddi