Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

To: fatima

Freep mail me to be on or off the Daily Bread ping list


Strengthened Through Suffering

April 19, 2013

Church services often end with a benediction. A common one is taken from Peter’s concluding remarks in his first epistle: “May the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you” (1 Peter 5:10). Sometimes omitted in the benediction is the phrase “after you have suffered a while.” Why? Perhaps because it is not pleasant to speak of suffering.

It should not surprise us, however, when suffering comes our way. The apostle Paul, who knew well what it was to suffer, wrote: “All who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Tim. 3:12).

If we live a life of submission to God (1 Peter 5:6) and resisting the devil (v.9), we can expect to be maligned, misunderstood, and even taken advantage of. But the apostle Peter says that there is a purpose for such suffering. It is to “restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast” (v.10 niv).

God’s path for our Christian growth often leads us through difficulties, but they fortify us to withstand life’s future storms. May God help us to be faithful as we seek to boldly live a life that honors Him.

Forbid it, Lord, that I should be
Afraid of persecution’s frown;
For Thou hast promised faithful ones
That they shall wear the victor’s crown. —Bosch
When God would make us strong He schools us through hardships.

Read: 1 Peter 5:1-11

May the God of all grace, . . . after you have suffered a while, . . . strengthen, and settle you. —1 Peter 5:10
Bible in a Year:
2 Samuel 6-8; Luke 15:1-10


11 posted on 04/18/2013 5:42:34 PM PDT by The Mayor (Honesty means never having to look over your shoulder.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies ]


To: The Mayor

Thanks The Mayor ((((Hugs))))


38 posted on 04/18/2013 6:06:03 PM PDT by fatima (Free Hugs Today :))
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 11 | View Replies ]

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article


FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson