Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 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. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 5:6–11 (ESV)
This day ended with sadness for many in America. I must admit that I ran the gamut of emotions rather quickly. Anger followed by sadness followed by despair and finally hope. It wasn’t until I reminded myself of Who it is that sits on the throne of heaven and rules over all His creation that I was able to get out of the emotion of the news and anchor myself in the truth.
I don’t want to dismiss the sadness of this event, and I don’t think we should walk around like Pollyanna and ignore the gravity of all that is taking place. So then the question is what shall I do?
The passage from the Holy Scriptures cited above tells me to humble myself and cast all (not some) of my anxieties on the Lord. I am to be sober-minded and watchful towards my actual adversary and resist him with a steadfast faith. Then I see that wonderful phrase “after you have suffered a little while”. Such a comfort to know any suffering is for “a little while”. How do I know this? Because the “God of all grace”, the God of ALL grace has called me to his eternal glory in Christ. All grace is from God, and He called me to be one with Christ. AND Christ Himself, will restore, confirm, strengthen and establish me. I know that whatever Christ is said to do with, to, and for me will happen as He has ordained.
I am hopeful. I am thankful, I am His!