Suffering...No Way

"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." 1 Peter 5:10

I don't want to get stuck on suffering. I don't want to give the impression that I'm depressed, feeling sorry for myself or can't get past what I've given up because I'm not, I don't and I can. The problem for a lot of people though, is that they can't get past what they've given up, they're stuck in the past and often a bit resentful about it.

The verse up there tells us two things that will happen; suffering is the first thing Peter promises. As Christians, we know Satan is going to oppose us and make it hard to do what's right. Sometimes, if something is too easy, I end up wondering if it's the right thing to do. I know God can make a way and make it go smooth, I don't want to say anything that might hint that God is not sovereign, 'cause He is. But if I am questioning what I'm doing, and it is super easy, I might sit down and evaluate it again to make sure it's lined up with God's word.

The second part of that verse is what I want to focus on "...will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast." Once you're done suffering, God himself will restore you, he'll bring you back to full, set you right and stand you back on your feet. He'll restore your strength, help you to stand firm and steadfast. I love that word, steadfast; it means unwavering. I can see that happening in me; I've suffered, I don't think I'm done suffering, it'll be hard for a while. I'm in good spirits, but that's not because things are a piece of cake, it's because of Christ in me, enabling me to keep my spirits up.

Psalm 147:3 supports this promise "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."

Jesus has power, Jesus saves, and continues to protect us, and restore us. That's why today's hymn is "All Hail The Power Of Jesus' Name"

All hail the power of Jesus' name!
Let angels prostrate fall;
bring forth the royal diadem,
and crown Him Lord of all.
Bring forth the royal diadem,
and crown Him Lord of all.

Ye chosen seed of Israel's race,
ye ransomed from the Fall,
hail Him who saves you by His grace,
and crown Him Lord of all.
Hail Him who saves you by His grace,
and crown Him Lord of all.

Sinners, whose love can ne'er forget
the wormwood and the gall,
go spread your trophies at His feet,
and crown Him Lord of all.
Go spread your trophies at His feet,
and crown Him Lord of all.

Let every kindred, every tribe
on this terrestrial ball,
to Him all majesty ascribe,
and crown Him Lord of all.
To Him all majesty ascribe,
and crown Him Lord of all.

(Alternate wording to the above verse)
Let every tribe and every tongue
before Him prostrate fall
And shout in universal song
the crownèd Lord of all.
And shout in universal song
the crownèd Lord of all.

O that with yonder sacred throng
we at His feet may fall!
We'll join the everlasting song,
and crown Him Lord of all.
We'll join the everlasting song,
and crown Him Lord of all.