14 day plan

Resting...

Day 14 of 14

NIVUK

1 Peter 5:10

10And 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.

Reflection:  Our God is a God of grace. He wants to give to us, not just once, but again and again. We are saved by grace, but he continues to provide grace each day in his ongoing work of growing us in Christian maturity. The God of all grace who does this is not remote and he doesn’t simply delegate to others. He is willing, so to speak, to get his hands dirty. He loved us enough to let his beloved Son take the sin and filth of our lives so he might wash us clean – an act of extraordinary grace.

The God of all grace continues to give, as we seek to walk faithfully in his ways through the ups and downs of life. His hands are tender, and he will give us everything we need to keep on keeping on. I have no idea how long a ‘little while’ is. Sometimes, a little while seems like a long while. The COVID pandemic, for example, seems to have gone on far longer than we ever imagined or anticipated. Similarly, the experience of suffering for friends, family or ourselves sometimes seems relentless. But the God of all grace will continue to give. He is at work to strengthen and sustain us for the eternal glory that is ours.

Prayer:  Thank you that you are my God and your heart oozes grace towards me. Thank you that you are a God who continues to restore and will continue to make me strong, firm, and steadfast. Thank you that we have a hope that one day our suffering will be no more, as you have called us to your eternal glory. Help me to stand firm in your grace today. Amen.

1 Peter 5:1-14

To the elders and the flock

1To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them – not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; 3not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

5In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility towards one another, because,

‘God opposes the proud

but shows favour to the humble.’

6Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

8Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

10And 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. 11To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Final greetings

12With the help of Silas, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it.

13She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings, and so does my son Mark.

14Greet one another with a kiss of love.

Peace to all of you who are in Christ.