1 Peter 5:10 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.
This verse might give you some anxiety since no one wants to suffer. We were never promised a life free from suffering. Jesus warned His disciples that there would be struggles (Matthew 5:10-12; John 16:33). But this verse also offers hope.
Interpreting this verse is actually a bit challenging. No one knows how long we will have to suffer or how. Suffering could be extreme (like Job or the early Church who faced extreme persecution) or it could be simpler than that (disappointment, sadness, insults, etc.). We simply do not know what kind of suffering Peter was speaking of, nor how long “a little while” is. And it could have been a statement in regards to all believers collectively, as in the Church suffering, which would then make it an End Times type of statement, concluding with the Rapture. The suffering that will take place in the End Times is horrifying. Definitely anxiety inducing!
But we have hope, regardless of the interpretation and actual reality of the suffering. We have hope knowing that God, the God of grace (He who gives freely what is undeserved), will call us to eternal glory. Eternal – forever. We will be restored (Revelation 2:15) and will live with Him forever. Not only restoration, but also strong, firm, and steadfast. Can you imagine? He will restore us, make us strong, firm, and steadfast – forever.
Some commentaries also point out that God is at work NOW, not just when we are called home. The God who loves us and cares for us is already working in us NOW. He is the God of ALL grace, which means He already knows our circumstances and has already forgiven things. His grace covers all (2 Corinthians 9:8).
Be the first to comment