In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. 1 Peter 5:10
Throughout this sermon series on 1 Peter, we have learned that this book of the Bible was written to Christ followers during a time of persecution. Peter wrote this book to encourage believers to stay strong and to let them know that although this world contains trials and heartache, the hardships we face on this earth will pale in comparison to the joy to come when Christ returns and restores everything.
1 Peter 5 serves as a tender word of encouragement for those who face suffering and reminds us that our trials, including persecution, are temporary and they cannot compare to what is to come when we experience eternal life with Christ. In this chapter of 1 Peter, Peter writes, “In His kindness, God called you to share in His eternal glory by means of Jesus Christ. So after you have suffered for a little while, He will restore, support, and strengthen you, and He will place you on a firm foundation” (verse 10). Let’s break down this verse for a minute. God’s glory, which He called us to share in, is eternal. It will last forever. In contrast, our suffering will last for a little while. It is temporary, even short. After our suffering, God will restore, support, and strengthen us. In other words, He will make everything right one day. None of our suffering will be wasted, and the joy we will have when we spend eternity with Christ forever will far outweigh any of the suffering we face on this earth. What a promise we have to cling to! This truth should lead us to declare, along with Peter in the very next verse, “All power to Him forever!” (verse 11).
My friend, whatever you face today, remember that God is working in the midst of your suffering and heartache. One day, He is going to restore, support, and strengthen you. Your suffering will last for a little while, but eternity with Him will last forever! This is the promise that you have in Him. What else can we say besides, “All power to Him forever!”
Memorize 1 Peter 5:10. Bring this verse to mind often. Let it be an encouragement to you that the trials on this earth are temporary. They will be wiped away one day. Even more, we will face immeasurable joy when we experience eternity with Christ one day.
1 Peter 5:10-14
10 In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. 11 All power to him forever! Amen.
12 I have written and sent this short letter to you with the help of Silas, whom I commend to you as a faithful brother. My purpose in writing is to encourage you and assure you that what you are experiencing is truly part of God’s grace for you. Stand firm in this grace.
13 Your sister church here in Babylon sends you greetings, and so does my son Mark. 14 Greet each other with a kiss of love.
Peace be with all of you who are in Christ.
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