I hate driving on the interstate in the pouring rain. I am not talking driving in a drizzle. I am talking about when the rain is coming down so fast the windshield wipers cannot keep up with them. It makes it hard to see where you are at and are going. The same is true for the hardships and sufferings we face in life. Oftentimes, when we face trials and when we go through trying circumstances, it can be easy to lose perspective. We begin to isolate ourselves and become bitter because this is not the life we had desired or expected. Yet, for those who are Christians, we must be aware of what is going on around us. As Christians, God has given us the Bible to reveal Himself to do guide us in the proper perspective. We must remember He cares for us (5:7). This is crucial because there is one who would tell you the lie God doesn’t care. The Apostle Peter exposes this liar in 1 Peter 5:8, “Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” His plan is to tempt you and cause to fall into his trap. Sadly, many have. They have given the devil a foothold and he has made himself at home. But if you have repented of your sins and have trusted in Jesus Christ, you do not give in to the schemes of the devil and lose the perspective of God’s Word. As a Christian, in these times you need to be sober-minded and watchful (5:8). You need to remember the Christian life is a battle and you must be prepared by the power of the Holy Spirit to face it. Through God’s strength, we resist the devil by standing firm in the faith (5:9a). When there are those who ridicule us for our love for Jesus and even those who would threaten us because we hold to the beliefs of the Bible, we do not cave in. Instead, we stand firm. To be sure, we do not stand firm alone. We have brothers and sisters in Christ around us and around the world who face hardships and suffer for their faith in Christ (5:9). The fact we are not alone should bring some comfort. Still, suffering is hard. That is why Peter continues, “And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” Our trials and sufferings are not without purpose and we do not live without hope. We can be encouraged in the midst of our suffering because it is temporary. For those who repent of their sins and believe in the God of all grace through Jesus Christ will be saved and will enjoy eternal glory. Suffer for a little while to enjoy the glory of Christ for eternity. For the Christian, that is the proper perspective. Declare and stand firm in the true grace of God (5:12). God is working things for His children’s good. He will restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish them. Because of His work in us, we can stand firm. Because of His power, we can resist the devil. Because of His grace, we can be saved. May we say with the Apostle Peter about our God, “To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen” (5:11).
Reflection Questions:
- How does this passage help you view your sufferings and hardships from a biblical perspective?
- Why is it tempting during times of trials to give into the temptations of the devil? How can you remind yourself to stand firm in the faith this week?
Entrusted By GOD Ministries 