SCRIPTURE: 1 Peter 4-5
“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)
The message of grace in this graceless world is indeed good news.
But accepting this good news does not make life easier.
I can’t see how people justify the ‘health and wealth’ (or American Dream) gospel from the bible.
We are repeatedly reminded that we will suffer for believing and following the message of Jesus.
Grace will be walked over, spit on, used and abused… but it will never be beaten.
We choose grace not because it is easy, but because it is right and good.
We follow Jesus not because life will get better, but because it is the only right way to live.
In the end, grace and life will win, and those who held on for it will receive it.
Our day is not yet, but our day is coming, when he will restore us.
One day we will enter into eternal glory, and will stand strong, firm and steadfast – forever.
Like Martin Luther King, we stand for what is right, not because it is easy but because it is right.
The only life worth living, the only world worth living for, is God’s world of grace, peace, love, justice.
Until it arrives, we dedicate ourselves to living that life, with His help, for the benefit of others.
We allow our lives to be channels of His grace – faithful stewards of His grace (1 Peter 4:10).
“After you have suffered a little while, He will restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” (1 Peter 5:10)
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, it is often hard to stay true to grace in this graceless world. Give me the grace to persevere, until You finally set things right!
Observations/Application
Love.
Offer hospitality.
Oneanothering.
Live for Jesus.
This will bring hardships. Stand up for Jesus. Do good.
Be a living letter. Be an epistle for Him. An example worthy of following.
Stand strong.
GodStrong.. SpiritLead.
Live for Jesus.
Grace and truth shall mark the way
Where the Lord His own will lead,
If His Word they still obey
And His testimonies heed.
For Thy Name’s sake hear Thou me,
For Thy mercy, Lord, I wait;
Pardon my iniquity,
For my sin is very great.
He who walks in godly fear
In the path of truth shall go;
Peace shall be his portion here,
And his sons all good shall know.
They that fear and love the Lord
Shall His holy friendship know;
He will grace to them accord,
And His faithful covenant show.
Ever are my longing eyes
On the Lord, Whose watchful care,
When my foes their plots devise,
Keeps my feet from every snare.
Turn to me, Thy grace impart,
I am desolate indeed;
Great the troubles of my heart;