These are examples of what God will surely do to encourage us- Restore means
to make complete. Make you strong means to enable to stand fast. Make you firm
again emphasizes strengthening. Also make you steadfast means to place on a firm,
secure foundation. All variations of the words above from different translations. We
prefer all this and possibly try to skim over the words, ‘after you have suffered a little.’
None of us escapes suffering, some to a greater or lesser degree. St. Peter
anticipates a time of suffering and persecution for his readers. When it comes, they
must be ready – level-headed, alert, prayerful and unfailingly loving to others. It should
come as no surprise to Christians to suffer for Christ’s sake. It is a cause for joy, not
discouragement. Christ’s suffering was a prelude to glory. So it is for the Christian.
God always keeps His promises. God cares for us. He perfects our Christian character
through the things we suffer. He is in control.
A few verses before, 1 Peter 5:7, “Cast all your worries upon Him because He
cares for you,” living these words will enable us to stay in peace, trusting God to do
what needs to be done. There are times we bring on our own suffering perhaps in trying
to control. We start to find peace despite our troubles when we accept what cannot be
changed. If we keep fighting the circumstances, we will make ourselves and the people
we love miserable. We can only change ourselves. Certainly not easy and often the last
thing we want to do.
As we soon enter Holy Week and realize the suffering our Lord went through for
us, we recognize that our suffering is small in comparison. However, our suffering is
ours and not meant to be minimized. God knows what we are going through and holds
us in His redeeming love. The final meaning of our lives may be determined by our
capacity to trust, to let go, to place ourselves in God’s hands, who can see the entire
plan for our lives.
Romans 8:28, “We know that all things work for good for those who love God,
who are called according to His purpose.” When I am hurting and can only see
darkness, this verse helps me to believe that God sees the whole picture, not just a
small portion, I see. I pray in faith that each step is part of God’s divine design, leading
toward greater growth and fulfillment. Encouraging words from this Scripture can
enable us to recall how the Lord guides, restoring our strength. Isaiah 58:11, “Then the
Lord will guide you always and satisfy your thirst in parched places, will give strength to
your bones and you shall be like a watered garden, like a flowing spring whose waters
never fail.” Let us lean and trust on this!