Only For A Little While

1 Peter 5:6-10 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. But 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.

The reality of life on earth is that life is short, or as God's Word puts it...life is like a vapor. Yet, the troubles and sufferings we face can make life on earth feel like an eternity. The truth of the matter, for us who are followers of Jesus, is that whatever we are allowed to suffer now is nothing in comparison to what awaits us when we are finally with our Savior and Lord. Peter reminds us that we have an adversary that is relentless, but praise be to the Lord that we have a God who is greater. Although God may allow the enemy to persecute us and cause us troubles, Jesus walks with us every step of the way. Peter reminds us that the suffering we experience as a result of demonic activity is common to all of us who are born again believers. However, he also tells us that when we humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God, we will be exalted; in His time. That means that we must be willing to put our pride aside and bring our cares to the Lord, because He cares for us. We must be willing to submit our will to His and obey His Word and guidance, and trust Him for the outcome. When it's all said and done, we have the promise that we will grow in maturity, have our feet set firmly, be strengthened spiritually, and be set on a firm foundation, which is on the Rock, Jesus Christ. When the enemy is allowed to do what he does, let us remember that it's only for a little while, but the blessings will be eternal.

Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Romans 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive His free gift of salvation today (Romans 10:13).